The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case on Friday arrested Unnikrishnan Potti, a key figure who had acted as a ‘sponsor’ during gold-plating work in the sanctum sanctorum of the famous hill shrine in Kerala.
Potti was taken into custody after several rounds of questioning and is being held for further interrogation. He underwent a medical examination at Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital and will be produced before the Ranni court on Saturday, police said.
The arrest is part of an investigation into the alleged theft of around 475 grams of gold, nearly 56 sovereigns, from the dwarapalaka idols and kattilappura (doorframe) of the Sreekovil (sanctum). Investigators claim only about 3 grams were actually used in restoration work, suggesting large-scale diversion of the remaining gold.
According to SIT officials, Potti allegedly played a crucial role in the suspected misappropriation, using his position as a religious “sponsor”, who is ideally a person who finances temple restoration, to divert the gold. Two FIRs have been registered against him.
The probe has also uncovered possible financial links between Potti and two individuals in Bengaluru. Investigators suspect involvement of a middleman, identified as Kalpesh, and are tracing money flows related to the suspected theft. The SIT is examining the role of Smart Creations, the contractor entrusted with gold-plating work, whose financial records are reportedly incomplete or missing.
The investigation has expanded to include several former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials, including administrative officers, secretaries, and engineers. Their oversight failures or potential complicity are now being examined.
The Kerala High Court, which is monitoring the case, has directed the SIT to complete its investigation within six weeks. The scandal has triggered political reactions, with the BJP demanding Minister V. N. Vasavan’s resignation and a CBI or Enforcement Directorate probe.
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