Prime Accused Arrested in Sabarimala Temple Gold Heist Case
In a major breakthrough, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala temple gold heist arrested Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, after an 18-hour-long interrogation. The investigation, which is being closely monitored by the Kerala High Court, is focused on uncovering the extent of corruption and negligence in the 2019 gold plating project at the temple.
According to sources, Potti was detained for questioning earlier this week and later taken into custody after reportedly confessing to his role in the pre-planned gold theft.
SIT Interrogation Reveals Startling Details
During questioning, Potti allegedly told investigators that the theft was not an isolated act, but a coordinated effort that took place during the gold replating of the Dwara Palika idols and the sanctum sanctorum’s door frame in 2019.
He also claimed that certain Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials were aware of the plan, raising serious questions about institutional complicity. The SIT has not yet confirmed the veracity of these claims but has begun examining the statements and documents related to the project.
The Kerala High Court had earlier directed the SIT to complete the probe within six weeks, emphasizing the need for transparency in the handling of temple assets and donations. The investigation team has reportedly seized important records and digital files related to the gold plating project.
Court Flags Lapses in Temple Administration
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala temple, has come under scrutiny for its handling of the 2019 renovation project. The High Court noted discrepancies in the quantity of gold used for replating and questioned the audit trail of materials used in the sanctum.
In its earlier observation, the court expressed concern over possible misappropriation, stating that the temple’s sanctity cannot be compromised by financial irregularities or insider corruption.
Officials from the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) are also assisting the SIT in tracing the flow of gold and verifying the authenticity of Potti’s claims. Preliminary findings suggest that a significant amount of the gold donated by devotees for the renovation may have been siphoned off.
Who Is Unnikrishnan Potti?
Unnikrishnan Potti, a temple contractor and sponsor of the 2019 gold replating project, had been under the scanner since the controversy surfaced. He had undertaken the work on behalf of a trust that pledged to contribute to temple restoration.
However, after reports emerged of missing gold and uneven plating, suspicions grew over the execution of the project. The case gained momentum when whistleblowers from within the temple administration alleged that several kilograms of gold had been diverted or replaced with substandard material.
Following this, the Travancore Devaswom Board suspended several employees linked to the project and ordered a departmental inquiry.
Investigation Expands: More Officials Under Lens
With Potti’s arrest, the SIT is now expanding its investigation to include multiple layers of the temple administration. A senior SIT official told reporters that the team will verify procurement records, supplier transactions, and quality certification documents used during the gold plating process.
Moreover, forensic experts have been called in to test samples of the gold plating retrieved from the temple’s sanctum area. These reports are expected to be submitted to the High Court in the coming weeks.
The SIT’s progress report has already identified administrative negligence and lack of oversight as major contributing factors to the theft. However, the investigators are now looking to establish criminal intent and possible conspiracy links involving higher officials.
Kerala High Court Monitoring the Probe
The Kerala High Court, which has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, continues to monitor developments closely. The court had earlier observed that devotees’ trust in temple management must not be undermined by corruption or fraud.
The next review hearing is scheduled for later this month, by which time the SIT is expected to present a detailed progress report and forensic findings.
Public Reaction and Devotee Concerns
The revelations have sparked outrage among devotees, who view the Sabarimala temple as one of the most sacred shrines in India. Social media platforms are flooded with demands for strict punishment against those responsible and for a comprehensive audit of temple funds managed by the Devaswom Board.
Many devotees have also called for a judicial inquiry to ensure full transparency in the ongoing probe. Religious organizations have urged the government to implement stricter checks on all temple renovation projects involving donations.