Gold Layer Disappearance at Kerala's Sabarimala Temple Sparks Controversy

Controversy Surrounding Missing Gold Layer at Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala Temple in Kerala is currently embroiled in a significant controversy regarding the disappearance of gold layers from the guardian statues in the sanctum sanctorum. This issue gained traction after the recovery of gold layers that had gone missing from the home of a sponsor's relative, placing the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) at the center of the investigation. In an official statement, the TDB asserted that those found guilty would face strict penalties and exemplary action would be taken against them. Following allegations of a 4.5-kilogram gold deficit linked to restoration work in 2019, the Kerala High Court has mandated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.

SIT Arrests Main Accused Unnikrishnan Potty

On Friday, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) apprehended Unnikrishnan Potty, the primary suspect in the gold disappearance case at the Sabarimala Temple. Officials reported that Potty, a businessman from Bengaluru, was taken into custody from his residence near Pulimath in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday and was interrogated at the crime branch office in the city.

Details of the Gold Disappearance Case

Sources indicate that after thorough questioning, the SIT arrested Potty on Friday. He was subsequently transported to a government hospital for a medical examination. The SIT plans to take Potty to Pathanamthitta by noon and present him in court at Ranni, where they will also seek his custody for further questioning.

Investigation into TDB Officials' Involvement

The SIT is also investigating the involvement of TDB members and officials in the transfer of gold-plated copper plates used for the guardian statues and the sanctum's door frames. Previously, the TDB's vigilance wing had interrogated Potty for two days during their initial investigation and recorded his statement. The High Court has set a six-week deadline for the SIT to complete its investigation.

Indictment Includes Ten Individuals

Investigators have already obtained documents from the TDB and gathered information from Smart Creations, a Chennai-based firm responsible for the electroplating work. The gold used in this process was allegedly sponsored by Potty, who now faces serious allegations of large-scale fraud and tampering. The SIT is examining two separate cases: one concerning the missing gold from the guardian statues and another related to damage to the sanctum door frames. Potty is the main accused among ten individuals named in two previous indictments.

Political Pressure on Kerala Government

This controversy has escalated into a significant political issue in Kerala. Both the Congress and BJP have demanded the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, accusing the ruling CPI(M) government of shielding the guilty. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that if Vasavan does not resign, his party will request a CBI or ED investigation from the central government. Chandrasekhar has also called for the dissolution of the TDB.