Sabarimala Gold Heist: Potti Names 15 Accused
Unnikrishnan Potti Alleges 15 Involved in Sabarimala Gold Heist, Including Devaswom Board Officials
Potti Claims Widespread Conspiracy Behind Temple Gold Theft
Unnikrishnan Potti, the key accused in the Sabarimala gold heist, has made serious allegations. He claimed that 15 people were involved in the theft, including senior Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials.
During questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Potti revealed that he was used as a front. According to him, the actual profits went to others. He insisted that he did not benefit from the gold taken from temple idols and copper panels.
Moreover, the remand report confirmed that this was not an isolated act. It described a planned conspiracy involving both TDB staff and outside agents. The SIT believes that the crime network operated in Kerala and in other states, such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Middleman Identified, Gold Sent Outside Kerala
Potti identified a man named Kalpesh as the key middleman. He allegedly collected the extracted gold and shared it with others involved. Potti admitted to handing the gold over to him, in the presence of Devaswom employees.
Investigators are now tracing the full route of the stolen gold. They believe it was moved through Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The SIT is checking records and travel logs to verify the claim.
At the same time, documents from the Devaswom Board raised more suspicion. The panels were officially listed as copper, not gold-plated. This mismatch suggests a possible cover-up or misreporting by officials.
Public Reaction and Political Pressure Mount
As the case unfolds, public anger has grown. Opposition leaders have called for a full audit of the temple’s assets. They also demand an independent probe, claiming that the state machinery cannot be trusted to investigate itself.
They argue that the alleged theft insults the devotion of millions. Sabarimala, being one of the holiest Hindu temples in India, holds great cultural and spiritual value.
Trust in Devaswom Board at Stake
Unnikrishnan Potti’s revelations point to a major breach of trust. The involvement of top TDB officials, if proven, could deeply damage the temple’s reputation. The SIT has promised a detailed probe and more arrests are expected soon.
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, Prabha’s professional stints include working with Sahara English Magazine and JAIN TV and All India Radio. She has also produced several documentary films through her self-owned production house Gajpati Communications. She is also the Station Director of Aligarh-based FM Radio Station, and the General Secretary of WADA NGO.
