Sabiramala Gold case accused Unnikrishnan Potti has been arrested after 11 hours of interrogation. He was questioned by the Crime Branch in connection with the looting of several kilograms of gold from the door frames and Dwarapalaka idols of the Sabarimala shrine. He told the investigating officers that he had shared the looted gold among the Devaswom (Tiruvithamcoor Devaswom Board – TDB) officials. According to reports, the Crime Branch will soon interrogate these officials of the TDB as well.
In the meantime, Unnikrishnan Potti told the media that whoever had “trapped” him would be brought before the law. His statement reportedly mentions that the gold was looted with the knowledge and permission of the Devaswom Board higher-ups. There are reports that renders evidence supporting this statement, including the forging of documents for handing over of the gold layers to Unnikrishnan Potti.
There are also reports of summons being sent to Kalpesh, a ‘collaborator’ of Potti. This is in connection with 474.9 grams of gold Potti received from Smart Creations, Chennai, after the gold plating. Reports suggest that Kalpesh was involved in transporting the gold layers to Bengaluru and then to Chennai. Muraribabu, who forged the document stating that the layers were copper and not gold, is likely to be arrested soon. He was the Devaswom Administrative Officer. Nine officers are listed among the accused. Potti is likely to be taken to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai for evidence collection and further investigation.
Potti’s remand report states that the former Devaswom Board Secretary, who is also the fourth accused, had allegedly ordered the handing over of the copper layers to Potti. There are allegations that this was done to protect the Devaswom President and Board members.
Investigations are also being carried out against Smart Creations, Chennai. It is reported that the company had a clear role in the conspiracy. Nagesh, one of Potti’s sponsors, will also be interrogated. He is reportedly very close to Pankaj Bhandari, the CEO of Smart Creations. Potti had met Bhandari in Chennai after the investigation began. It was following this meeting that Potti gave his statement before the Devaswom Vigilance. The bringing of experts from Maharashtra for segregating gold and handing it over to Potti is also under the purview of the investigation.
This case once again underscores how the Communists have exercised control over temples in Kerala, systematically looting temple funds while simultaneously building narratives against Hindu beliefs. Sabarimala, being a major spiritual centre of Bharat, has repeatedly come under attack — reflecting a deliberate attempt to undermine Hindus and their devotion.
