The investigation into the sensational Sabarimala gold case has taken a decisive turn, with the Bellary merchant Govardhan confirming that he purchased the looted gold from Unnikrishnan Potti, a former employee of the Travancore Devaswom Board. His crucial testimony has provided the Special Investigation Team (SIT) with new leads pointing towards an organised network behind the theft. Acting swiftly, the SIT has taken Potti to Bengaluru for further questioning, as the probe now expands beyond Kerala.
According to official sources, the team initially planned to take Potti to Chennai to collect additional evidence. However, following Govardhan’s detailed statement, the focus shifted to Bellary, where investigators hope to recover part of the stolen gold, which was allegedly melted and sold. Investigators believe that several layers of gold, originally used for plating sacred temple idols, were systematically removed, disguised as copper in official records, and sold through intermediaries.
Meanwhile, the suspended Sabarimala Administrative Officer Murari Babu, arrested on October 22, has been remanded for 14 days. The SIT will take him into custody for a day to identify additional conspirators. His statements reportedly corroborate those of Potti, indicating the involvement of senior officials. Murari Babu has admitted that the records were falsified on the instructions of his superiors. Between 2019 and 2025, he held key positions in the Devaswom Board, including Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, and Deputy Commissioner.
Murari Babu was interrogated for over fifteen hours, during which the SIT seized crucial Devaswom Board documents. Notably, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of the Crime Branch personally supervised the interrogation, underscoring the gravity of the case.
The Kerala High Court has directed a comprehensive investigation into the possible role of the current Devaswom Board. Reports from Thiruvananthapuram suggest that more conspiracies are expected to surface soon, with indications that the present Board cannot absolve itself from responsibility. Sources claim that more influential figures may soon face action.
The Sabarimala gold-layer scandal erupted after approximately 475 grams of gold went missing from the dwarapalaka idols in 2019. A First Information Report (FIR) has named nine Devaswom officials, including Unnikrishnan Potti and Murari Babu. The Kerala High Court has ordered a court-monitored SIT to submit its final report within six weeks, as allegations surface that the CPM-led government attempted to shield those involved in the temple loot.
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