Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Prime Accused Unnikrishnan Potti and Accomplice Murari Babu Sent to Judicial Custody

Unnikrishnan Potti, the main suspect in the Sabarimala gold theft case, has been transferred to judicial custody following the conclusion of his police custody on Thursday.

During his appearance at the Ranni First Class Magistrate Court, Potti claimed to suffer from epilepsy and expressed concerns about managing jail life. However, prosecutors assured that jail authorities could provide all necessary medical assistance, leading the court to order his transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub Jail.

Investigators plan to formally record Potti's arrest on Friday in connection with a second case involving the theft of gold lintels from the temple door. He will be presented again before the Ranni court on Monday as authorities seek extended custody.

The Special Investigation Team also brought Murari Babu, another suspect in the case, before the court on Friday. Babu has likewise been placed in judicial custody.

Earlier this week, officers conducted joint interrogations of both Potti and Babu.

On Tuesday, the Ranni First Class Magistrate Court had remanded Babu to SIT custody for four days. The investigation team requested permission to question him alongside Potti to explore potential financial transactions and conspiracy connections between them. Both accused were taken to Sabarimala by the SIT for evidence collection, and the gold recovered from Bellary was presented in court.

The gold heist has taken on political dimensions as well, with the BJP alleging involvement by Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan.