Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti Arrested as Investigation Reveals Temple Conspiracy

During interrogation, Potti confessed that the robbery was planned and Travancore Devaswom Board officials were aware of the scheme.

Thiruvananthapuram:

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court has made its first arrest in the Sabarimala gold robbery case. Prime suspect Unnikrishnan Potti was apprehended early Friday after extensive questioning by the SIT team under SP Bijoy's leadership.

Officials confirmed that all remand report formalities have been completed. Potti will appear before the Ranni Court by noon tomorrow.

He underwent a medical examination at Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital. Potti will remain in SIT custody until his court appearance.

Potti's arrest represents the first major development in the investigation of gold theft from the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the kattilappadi (threshold) of the Sreekovil at Sabarimala.

The SIT has registered two separate cases against Potti, who allegedly smuggled gold from the temple while posing as a sponsor, according to IANS news agency.

In the two First Information Reports (FIRs), the SIT has listed 10 individuals, with Potti named in both documents.

The theft involves approximately 475 grams of gold, equivalent to about 56 sovereigns. Investigators discovered that while only three grams were actually used for plating, Potti misappropriated the remainder.

Reports indicate he also collected money from two individuals in Bengaluru for the same work.

During questioning, Potti reportedly admitted that the gold robbery was premeditated and alleged that Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials were cognizant of the plan. According to sources, Potti stated that the stolen gold was distributed among TDB members.

A middleman named Kalpesh is also considered a key figure in the conspiracy. The SIT has not excluded the potential involvement of Smart Creations, the company responsible for newly plating the lentils and doorkeepers of the Sabarimala Temple.

Some critical records of work performed by Smart Creations are reportedly missing. Previously, a Hyderabad resident was implicated in the crime. The SIT will submit investigation progress in a sealed envelope to the high court next week.

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called for State Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan's resignation.

"The BJP would request the Centre for a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) or ED (Enforcement Directorate) investigation into the matter," Chandrasekhar stated while participating in the BJP Mahila Yuva Morcha protest against the robbery in Thiruvananthapuram.