Is Unnikrishnan Potti the Mastermind Behind the Sabarimala Gold Theft?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the primary suspect in the Sabarimala gold theft, Unnikrishnan Potti, has been remanded to police custody until October 30. As investigations unfold, serious allegations surface regarding the involvement of political figures and temple officials in this scandal, raising questions about accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Unnikrishnan Potti is under police custody until October 30.
- Gold theft from the Sabarimala temple is estimated at 475 grams.
- The Special Investigation Team is handling the case.
- Allegations of complicity among temple officials and political leaders have arisen.
- Public demand for accountability is growing.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 17 (NationPress) A court in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, has approved the request of the SIT team to detain Unnikrishnan Potti, the main suspect in the gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, until October 30.
The arrest report indicates that Potti is believed to have misappropriated two kilograms of gold from the temple, resulting in a significant violation of the temple's rituals.
Potti was apprehended early Thursday after undergoing intense questioning for over 10 hours at the Crime Branch office in the state capital, subsequently being presented in court.
Upon leaving the court, Potti stated to the media, "Those who conspired against me will also face justice."
In a related development, Sunny Joseph, the state president of the Congress party, has been vocal about demanding the resignation of the State Devasom Minister V.N. Vasavan and the members of the Travancore Devasom Board, accusing the police of protecting Potti and delaying his arrest.
Potti's arrest represents a pivotal moment in the investigation of the theft involving gold from the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the kattilappadi (threshold) of the Sreekovil at Sabarimala.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed two separate cases against Potti, who allegedly smuggled gold from the temple disguised as a sponsor.
According to the two FIRs, Potti is named as the primary accused among ten individuals.
The total theft is estimated at 475 grams of gold, roughly equivalent to 56 sovereigns.
Investigators discovered that while only three grams of gold were intended for plating, Potti misappropriated the remainder.
With Potti now in the custody of the SIT until the end of October, the question remains whether the full extent of the scandal, which has impacted countless Ayyappa devotees, will be uncovered, and whether all involved parties, including potential TDB officials or political figures, will be held accountable.
Sunny Joseph has stressed the need to identify those who provided shelter to and profited from Potti.
"The delay in Potti's arrest was likely aimed at destroying evidence and relocating the stolen gold. The intervention of the High Court was crucial in facilitating the arrest. The evidence suggests a larger conspiracy that cannot be attributed to one individual alone. The Travancore Devaswom Board must also share responsibility for the theft and be investigated thoroughly to recover the stolen gold, which is vital for the trial," Joseph asserted.
He further noted that despite repeated demands for the recovery of the stolen gold, no action has been taken.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Potti is not the sole perpetrator, implicating the Board and even political leaders.
"A comprehensive investigation could reveal that TDB members and former State Devasom Minister Kadakampally Surendran might also be implicated. I possess evidence regarding the close connections between Surendran and Potti. The current TDB must also face scrutiny as they were aware of the situation and attempted to conduct further gold plating this year, leaving only the idol of Lord Ayyappa untouched," Satheesan added.
Point of View
Particularly when they involve revered institutions. As the investigation progresses, it is critical to ensure that all responsible parties are brought to justice, maintaining the trust of the public while respecting the sentiments of the Ayyappa devotees. The integrity of the inquiry will determine the future of faith in the system.
NationPress
17/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unnikrishnan Potti?
Unnikrishnan Potti is the main suspect in the gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, recently arrested by the Special Investigation Team.
What was stolen from the Sabarimala temple?
The theft involved approximately 475 grams of gold, which includes gold from the guardian deity sculptures and the threshold of the Sreekovil.
What are the allegations against Potti?
Potti is accused of smuggling gold out of the temple under the guise of sponsorship, and he is the primary suspect in the theft cases filed against him.
What has the Congress party demanded?
The Congress party has called for the resignation of the State Devasom Minister and members of the Travancore Devasom Board, alleging they are trying to protect Potti.
What is the significance of the High Court's intervention?
The High Court's involvement was crucial in expediting Potti's arrest, amid concerns that evidence might be destroyed or the stolen gold moved.
