In a significant turn in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, has been granted statutory bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court and released from prison on Thursday.
Potty, who had been in custody since late 2025, faces allegations of stealing gold from the door frames and guardian idol plates (Dwarapalakas) of the Sreekovil, the sanctum sanctorum of the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. His bail comes after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a chargesheet within the 90-day limit mandated under criminal procedure law, which automatically entitles an accused to statutory bail.
The court has imposed several conditions on his release. Potty must provide a bond with two sureties of ₹2 lakh each, refrain from entering Pathanamthitta district, avoid influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, report to investigators when summoned, and seek court permission before leaving the state. He is also required to surrender his passport.
This marks the second time Potty has been released on statutory bail in connection with the Sabarimala case. His departure from Thiruvananthapuram’s Special Sub Jail was witnessed by his family, while the case continues to attract intense public and media attention.
The case has also stirred political debate in Kerala. Opposition leaders have criticised the delays in the SIT investigation, alleging that procedural lapses allowed key suspects to secure bail. The ruling government, on the other hand, defended the SIT, emphasizing that complex investigations involving temple property require thorough evidence gathering.
