Authorities have made their first significant arrest in the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case. Unnikrishnan Potti, identified as the primary suspect, was apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after extensive questioning. This marks a critical development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold from sacred artifacts within the renowned Sabarimala temple. The stolen gold, part of the temple’s invaluable treasures, was reportedly taken from the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the kattilappadi (threshold) of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).
The SIT has filed two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) naming Potti as the main accused in both. He is alleged to have posed as a legitimate sponsor to remove gold from the temple premises. The total quantity of gold in question is approximately 475 grams, valued at around 56 sovereigns. Investigators suspect that while a small portion, just three grams, was used for legitimate re-plating of temple ornaments, the vast majority was illicitly diverted by Potti. Furthermore, it’s believed he defrauded two individuals from Bengaluru by accepting funds for gold-plating work that was never completed.
The investigation is now expanding to scrutinize senior officials within the Travancore Devaswom Board. Allegations of administrative negligence and potential complicity are being leveled against them. The case traces back to a February 2019 proposal to re-plate gold-covered copper sheets from the sanctum. Crucially, the documentation’s wording was altered, omitting any mention of gold as it progressed through different administrative levels, raising serious concerns about procedural irregularities and abuse of power.