Sabarimala gold theft: SIT recovers stolen gold from Karnataka jewellery outlet

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant breakthrough in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recovered over 400 grams of stolen gold from a jewellery store in Bellari, Karnataka. The gold was allegedly handed over by prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti to his associate Govardhan, and seized during a raid led by Superintendent of Police Sasidharan.

In a parallel operation, investigators also recovered several gold coins and approximately ₹2 lakh in cash from Potti’s residence in Pulimath, Thiruvananthapuram. Potti remains in custody until October 30 as the SIT continues to gather evidence.

The investigation has now extended beyond Kerala, with the team visiting locations in Bengaluru, Bellari, Hyderabad and Chennai to trace the movement of the stolen gold and verify Potti’s claims. On Saturday morning, a three-member SIT team accompanied Potti to Bengaluru for further inquiries.

Searches are underway at multiple sites, including Potti’s residence in Bengaluru, the Bellari outlet where the gold was allegedly sold, a Hyderabad-based firm that repaired the temple’s sanctum door panels, and Smart Creations in Chennai, which supplied gold plating materials for the Sabarimala temple.

Govardhan, who previously supplied gold for the temple’s sanctum plating, is also under scrutiny. Investigators are now assessing whether the recovered gold corresponds to the quantity diverted from temple renovation works.

The SIT is expected to record statements from Devaswom Board staff involved in the temple’s refurbishment to determine the extent of internal collusion. So far, the team has arrested Potti and former Sabarimala temple official Murari Babu. With two FIRs listing ten accused, further arrests are anticipated.

Officials believe the latest recovery could be a key link in unraveling the high-profile heist.

(Inputs from IANS)