Murari Babu detained in Sabarimala gold scam probe

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has detained Murari Babu, former Administrative Officer of the Sabarimala temple. The arrest took place late Wednesday night at his residence in Kottayam district.

Babu, who served as the temple’s top official during the period when the alleged scam unfolded in 2019, was suspended by the Travancore Devasom Board following initial revelations. He was transported to the SIT’s camp office in Thiruvananthapuram for further interrogation. Officials have yet to confirm whether formal arrest procedures will follow.

The SIT has linked Babu to the theft and unauthorised transport of gold-plated temple artifacts, including panels and frames. Investigators believe he played a central role in a conspiracy that spanned five years, from 2019 to 2024. Two FIRs have been filed in the case, naming ten individuals, including Babu and the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently in SIT custody until October 30.

According to the SIT, the alleged replacement of gold plating with copper on sacred Dwarapalaka plates and wooden frames began under Babu’s tenure. He is also accused of overseeing forged documentation to conceal the changes. Babu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, citing a letter from the temple’s Tantri (chief priest) as the basis for the copper plating reference in official records. He maintains that his role was limited to submitting a preliminary report, with final decisions made by senior authorities.

The investigation continues to gather momentum, with SIT officers now recording statements from temple staff and security personnel present during the removal of the gold panels. Teams are expected to travel to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai in the coming days to collect additional evidence.