Is There a Larger Conspiracy Behind the Sabarimala Gold Theft Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala High Court is investigating a possible conspiracy in the Sabarimala gold theft.
- The SIT has made multiple arrests, including the primary suspect.
- The case has been adjourned until November 15 for further hearings.
- Evidence suggests that the theft was meticulously planned.
- Additional suspects are being linked to the case.
Kochi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court has instructed the SIT to probe the potential existence of a larger conspiracy surrounding the Sabarimala gold theft case.
The High Court had previously appointed the SIT at the start of this month, granting them a six-week period to finalize their investigation and report back on their findings.
During a closed courtroom session on Tuesday, the head of the SIT provided updates regarding the investigation's advancement.
The initial investigation report indicates that there is evidence pointing towards a conspiracy related to the gold theft.
Questions arose in court regarding the lack of progress in the investigation despite these findings.
The SIT confirmed that the theft at Sabarimala was executed as per a premeditated plan.
The case hearing has been rescheduled for November 15.
The SIT has filed two separate FIRs and named 10 individuals as suspects, with Unnikrishnan Potti being the primary accused.
According to the progress report submitted to the High Court, the theft was thoroughly planned, taking into account the gold offerings, including the Dwarapalaka sculptures given in 1998 by Vijay Mallya.
The accused believed that substituting the gold with painted replicas would evade detection.
The SIT informed the court of Potti's arrest, with more arrests anticipated.
Meanwhile, after over 10 hours of questioning, Anantha Subramaniam, a known associate of Potti, was released late Monday night with a notice that he may need to report back if required.
In 2019, Subramaniam reportedly transported the gold-covered Dwarapalaka sculptures from Sabarimala to Bengaluru. Investigators are also working to connect other suspects, including Nagesh and Kalpesh, to the case.
The SIT is now moving forward to summon two board officials who have been suspended after their names surfaced in the list of accused.