Unnikrishnan Potti taken into custody in Sabarimala gold plating scam
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Kerala High Court has taken Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold plating scam, into custody.
Potti, who is accused of playing a key role in the disappearance of gold plates from the temple, was detained from his residence in Thiruvananthapuram around noon and taken to an undisclosed location for questioning. His detention marks a major development in the ongoing probe.
He is the main accused among the ten individuals named in the two charge sheets filed so far. The scam involves allegations of large-scale misappropriation and tampering during the gold plating of the temple’s sacred ornaments and structures, sparking outrage among devotees and religious organizations.
According to sources, the SIT’s interrogation will focus on tracing the missing gold, uncovering any wider network involved, and verifying financial links connected to the scam. Investigators are expected to confront Potti with technical and documentary evidence collected during earlier stages of the investigation.
The controversy, which first surfaced in 2019, has drawn widespread criticism and pressure on the Travancore Devaswom Board and the CPI(M)-led state government. Both the Congress and the BJP have been demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, accusing the government of failing to protect temple assets.
The case gained fresh momentum after the Kerala High Court intervened and ordered the formation of the SIT, citing lapses in the initial investigation. Since then, the team has intensified its operations.
Officials said further action will depend on Potti’s statements during questioning, adding that his formal arrest could be recorded later or he may be issued a notice for future appearances.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has already suspended two officials linked to the case and served notices to retired employees named in the charge sheet.
The latest development has reignited public anger and renewed calls for accountability as authorities face mounting pressure to recover the missing gold and bring all those responsible to justice.