Bengaluru Businessman Unnikrishnan Potty Arrested in Sabarimala Gold Missing Case
A significant development has unfolded in the ongoing investigation into the missing gold from Kerala's famed Sabarimala temple, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Unnikrishnan Potty, a Bengaluru-based businessman, on Friday.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Unnikrishnan Potty, identified as the prime accused in the case, was apprehended from his residence at Pulimath, Kerala, on Thursday by police officials. He was then interrogated at the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram before his formal arrest on Friday. Subsequently, Potty underwent a mandatory medical examination at the government hospital and will be shifted to Pathanamthitta, where he is slated to be produced before the court in Ranni later in the day. The SIT is expected to seek his custody for extended interrogation as the investigation continues to expand.
Scope of SIT Inquiry
The Special Investigation Team, acting on directives from the Kerala High Court, is investigating two major cases: one centering on the missing gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and another concerning the gold lost from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at Sabarimala temple. Both incidents apparently involve gold-clad copper plates that were entrusted to Potty for electroplating in 2019. Investigators are also delving into the possible involvement of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members and officials in the transfer and disappearance of these precious materials.
Role of Travancore Devaswom Board
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages temple affairs, has come under increased scrutiny. Its Vigilance Wing previously conducted a preliminary inquiry, questioning Potty over two days and recording his statement regarding the transferred gold items. Whether TDB officials were complicit and to what extent remains a central question for the SIT.
High Court's Timeline and Next Steps
The Kerala High Court has set a six-week deadline for the SIT to conclude its investigation in these sensitive cases. As the probe intensifies, revelations about the handling and fate of the temple's gold assets are expected to have a significant impact on temple management and accountability.
Conclusion
The arrest of Unnikrishnan Potty marks a crucial juncture in the Sabarimala gold missing case, with authorities now poised to unravel the details behind the lost relics. The outcomes could shape future policies regarding temple asset management in Kerala.