Is the Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Expanding? SIT Returns to Chennai & Bellary!
Synopsis
The Sabarimala gold theft investigation is intensifying as the SIT expands operations across multiple states. With former Devaswom Board members seeking bail out of fear of arrest, the case reveals complex connections and allegations involving a senior official. What will be the implications of these developments?
Key Takeaways
SIT's investigation is expanding across multiple states.
Mani is being actively pursued.
Multiple arrests have been made, with implications for former Board members.
The Kerala High Court is closely monitoring the investigation.
The case highlights serious governance issues.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 24 (NationPress) The investigation into the Sabarimala gold and idol smuggling scandal is rapidly advancing, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) broadening its efforts across several states. This comes as former Devaswom Board members are seeking legal protection out of fear of arrest.
Since the Kerala High Court appointed the SIT for this investigation, a total of nine individuals have been detained.
Following intel from veteran CWC member and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala, the SIT has intensified its search for a critical individual known as D. Mani, whose name emerged through statements from a businessman based in Dubai.
A dedicated team within the SIT is exclusively focused on locating this individual, with current efforts concentrated in Chennai.
Investigators have already conducted phone interviews with members of Mani's group based in Chennai and traveled to the city for further evidence collection and to officially document statements.
According to the businessman's account, four panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idols were illicitly removed from Sabarimala during the 2019–20 timeframe and delivered to Mani, a resident of Chennai.
The witness accused a senior official associated with the Sabarimala administration of orchestrating the operation, which involved an internationally connected network.
The now-detained primary suspect Unnikrishna Potti has been identified as the intermediary.
The businessman further asserted that payment for the idols was made in October 2020 during a meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram, attended by Mani, Potti, and the senior official.
The SIT has indicated that it is performing initial assessments to verify the credibility of these allegations, though Potti has denied any association with Mani, who is also referred to as Dawood Mani and Dubai Mani.
In parallel, an SIT team has arrived in Bellari, Karnataka, where searches are currently ongoing at Govardhan's Jewellery firm.
Govardhan was previously taken into custody by a special team, marking the investigators' second visit to Bellari.
During a past search, gold was confiscated as part of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, former Devaswom Board members K.P. Shankardas and N. Vijayakumar have approached the Kollam Vigilance Court for anticipatory bail.
Both were part of the Board during the presidency of the now-arrested A. Padmakumar.
The High Court recently remarked that all members of the Devaswom Board share equal responsibility concerning the alleged smuggling.
It also criticized the SIT for not extending its investigation to include Shankardas and Vijayakumar.
Padmakumar has asserted that all members hold joint responsibility, particularly regarding the transfer of gold sheets to intermediaries.
The Kerala High Court is anticipated to deliver its ruling on a petition filed by State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar seeking a CBI investigation into the gold heist when the court resumes after the Christmas break.
Point of View
I believe the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case highlights significant concerns about accountability and governance. It is crucial that all involved parties are thoroughly examined to uphold justice and transparency in this matter.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold theft case about?
The Sabarimala gold theft case involves the smuggling of gold and idols from the Sabarimala temple, with several arrests made and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently probing the matter.
What has the Kerala High Court said about the investigation?
The Kerala High Court has criticized the SIT for not including all former Devaswom Board members in the investigation and emphasized that they share collective responsibility for the alleged smuggling.
What are the implications for former Devaswom Board members?
Former Devaswom Board members are seeking anticipatory bail as they fear arrest due to their involvement during the time of the alleged smuggling activities.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The SIT has made multiple arrests, is conducting searches in Chennai and Bellary, and is gathering evidence to further the case against those involved.
