What New Developments Have Emerged in the Sabarimala Gold Heist?
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Synopsis
In a significant twist in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Sudheesh Kumar, the temple's former Executive Officer, has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team. This marks the third arrest in this intricate case involving misappropriation of temple gold. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on potential political implications.
Key Takeaways
- Sudheesh Kumar arrested as third accused in the Sabarimala gold theft.
- SIT has been tasked with investigating the case.
- Two FIRs filed naming 10 individuals as accused.
- Evidence suggests manipulation of records related to temple gold.
- Seized documents could clarify the amount of gold misappropriated.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 1 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events regarding the Sabarimala gold theft investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has apprehended Sudheesh Kumar, the former Executive Officer of the temple, marking the third arrest in this ongoing case.
Sudheesh Kumar underwent questioning at the Crime Branch office located in Enchakkal, Thiruvananthapuram, from Thursday evening until his formal arrest was documented late on Friday.
He is expected to appear before the Ranni court later on Saturday.
Last month, the Kerala High Court established the SIT, granting them a six-week timeframe to conclude their investigation.
As an initial measure, the SIT filed two distinct FIRs, designating 10 individuals as accused.
The first individual to be detained was the main accused—‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti, followed by the former senior officer of the Travancore Devasom Board, Murari Babu.
After extensive questioning, Sudheesh Kumar was found to have played a pivotal role in the diversion of gold by inaccurately recording gold-plated Dwarapalaka panels as copper sheets and intentionally misrepresenting details in the 'mahazar' (seizure report).
The interrogation was conducted under the supervision of SIT official Sashidharan.
Investigators determined that this manipulation enabled the primary accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, to siphon off a portion of the temple’s gold with the assistance of Murari Babu.
This case traces back to 2019, when Kumar, in his capacity as Executive Officer at Sabarimala, proposed the appointment of Unnikrishnan Potti as a sponsor for renovation activities.
Despite being aware that the Dwarapalaka panels were gold-plated, he misclassified them as copper in his records and during their removal.
Although Potti did not directly receive the items, Kumar included his name in the mahazar, a decision that investigators believe was aimed at covering up irregularities.
On Friday, the SIT interrogated C.K. Vasudevan, a friend and intermediary of Potti, who allegedly held the missing gold pedestal; he was released after questioning.
Vasudevan is also listed as a sponsor for Sabarimala.
The current Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, Raji Lal, has previously been questioned for opposing the transport of the panels this year.
In a pivotal advancement, the SIT successfully seized essential documents from the Travancore Devaswom headquarters relating to the 1998 gold-plating project funded by industrialist Vijay Mallya.
These records provide details on the quantity and form of gold utilized, information that was previously deemed “unavailable” by temple authorities.
According to investigators, the recovery of these documents will assist in determining the exact amount of gold applied to the idols and the volume that may have been misappropriated.
With three primary alleged conspirators now in custody, the upcoming days will clarify whether political figures named in the FIRs will be summoned, as the SIT is required to submit a comprehensive report on the investigation's progress to the High Court by Tuesday.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the Sabarimala gold heist case with unbiased reporting. The ongoing investigation by the SIT highlights not only the complexities involved in the alleged misappropriation of temple assets but also reflects the broader implications for governance and accountability within religious institutions.
NationPress
27/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold heist?
The Sabarimala gold heist involves the alleged misappropriation of gold belonging to the Sabarimala temple, leading to multiple arrests and an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team.
Who are the key figures in the case?
Key figures include Sudheesh Kumar, the former Executive Officer, Unnikrishnan Potti, a sponsor, and Murari Babu, a former officer of the Travancore Devasom Board.
What role did Sudheesh Kumar play in the heist?
Sudheesh Kumar is accused of facilitating the misappropriation by misclassifying gold-plated items as copper and manipulating records.
What actions have the SIT taken so far?
The SIT has arrested three individuals, filed FIRs against ten people, and seized crucial documents related to the gold-plating project.
What is the significance of the seized documents?
The seized documents provide critical details regarding the amount of gold used in temple idols, which can help determine the extent of misappropriation.
