A major breakthrough has been achieved in the investigation of the Sabarimala gold theft scandal with the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti, considered the main perpetrator. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) detained Potti after a lengthy interrogation session at the Crime Branch office. This arrest is a pivotal moment in uncovering the truth behind the alleged pilfering of gold from sacred sites within the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, including the prominent dwarapalaka statues and the sacred Sreekovil threshold.
Potti is implicated in two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the SIT, which names ten individuals in total. He is the central figure in both legal documents, accused of exploiting his position as a sponsor to remove temple gold. Investigators estimate the stolen gold at 475 grams, translating to roughly 56 sovereigns. The probe suggests that only a minimal amount of gold, about three grams, was actually used for the intended re-plating of temple adornments, with the remainder allegedly being pocketed by Potti. Evidence also points to him receiving money from Bengaluru-based individuals under false pretenses for plating services.
The focus of the inquiry has now broadened to include high-ranking officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board. They are being investigated for potential involvement in procedural failures and dereliction of duty. The controversy began with a proposal in early 2019 to re-plate certain temple artifacts. A significant alteration in the official paperwork, from mentioning ‘gold-plated copper sheets’ to simply ‘copper sheets,’ has drawn the attention of investigators. This alleged manipulation of documents has put the Commissioner, Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, and Assistant Engineer under intense scrutiny for possible misconduct.