Sabarimala Gold Theft: Key Accused Unnikrishnan Potti Caught
Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Exposes Deep Corruption in Temple Management
The Sabarimala gold theft case has highlighted serious flaws in how temple affairs are managed in Kerala. Unnikrishnan Potti, a Bengaluru-based businessman, stands accused of stealing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the Sreekovil door frames at the sacred Sabarimala Temple. As reported by WION, Potti disguised the theft as a religious offering.
Trusted with Temple Gold, But Betrayed the Faith
In 2019, Potti proposed a project to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to gold-plate the idols and temple doors. The board approved the plan without proper vetting, assuming religious and technical standards would be followed.
Instead, Potti moved the idols across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, violating temple protocols. Reports suggest he had help from corrupt TDB officials, which raises serious concerns about internal oversight.
Potti handed the idols to Smart Creations, a company assigned to carry out the gold-plating. While a thin layer of gold was added, he allegedly siphoned off most of the original gold for personal gain. To cover up the theft, he hid the stolen items under the alias “Pooja.”
A Web of Corruption Within the Devaswom Board
The case not only exposed Potti’s deception but also shed light on deep-rooted corruption within the Travancore Devaswom Board. Over the years, the board has faced accusations of misusing temple funds, ignoring procedures, and colluding with shady contractors.
In this instance, insiders seemingly helped bypass key protocols. Board members failed to enforce rules that require tracking of temple assets and independent audits—basic measures meant to prevent exactly this type of theft.
The public, especially devotees, have responded with outrage. Many are now demanding greater transparency and reform in temple management to shield religious institutions from political or corrupt interference.
SIT Confirms Theft; Wider Conspiracy Under Investigation
After discrepancies emerged, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) launched a probe. During a 12-hour interrogation, Potti failed to explain the missing gold. Authorities arrested him and placed him in judicial custody until October 30. He is currently held in Pathanamthitta, where the court has ordered daily medical check-ups.
The Kerala High Court backed the SIT’s findings, noting that the Dwarapalaka idols’ weight dropped from 42.8 kg to 38.2 kg, confirming that a substantial amount of gold was missing.
Investigators now believe a larger conspiracy is at play, possibly involving more officials and contractors. The probe continues.
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