Published on: October 17, 2025 | 5:54 PM IST
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the missing gold case at Sabarimala has stated in its remand report that Unnikrishnan Potty, one of the accused, allegedly misappropriated around two kilograms of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols after sponsoring their electroplating in 2019.
The remand report was filed by Investigation Officer S. Sasidharan before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Ranni on Friday. Potty was arrested and produced before the court as part of the remand procedure, which sent him to SIT custody until October 30.
Allegations Against Unnikrishnan Potty
According to the SIT report:
- Potty, who had worked as an assistant to the temple priest at Sabarimala between 2004 and 2008, was aware that the copper plates of the Dwarapalaka idols were clad in gold as far back as 1998.
- He allegedly used this knowledge to cheat and gain financially, causing losses to the Travancore Devaswom Board.
- In 2019, Potty reportedly filed an application to “repair” the Dwarapalaka idol plates, which contained about two kilograms of gold.
- After removing the plates, they were taken to multiple locations including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and ultimately to Smart Creations in Ambattur, Chennai, where the gold was illegally extracted.
The report states that only 394.9 grams of gold were replated to conceal the theft. The plates were then displayed at various places contrary to temple tradition before being returned to Sabarimala.
Alleged Misuse of Donor Gold
The SIT further revealed that after the 2019 electroplating, Potty allegedly identified other donors for subsequent gold-plating work, but the donated gold was not fully used for its intended purpose.
Additionally, the Dwarapalaka plates were reportedly taken to several houses and temples in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kerala for poojas, without any security arrangements, raising concerns about safeguarding temple assets.
Arrest and Custody Details
Potty’s arrest followed intelligence that he might abscond, prompting immediate action. The SIT reported that:
- When contacted, Potty’s phone was switched off.
- As the court had set a deadline for completing the investigation, his interrogation was considered crucial.
- Consequently, Crime Branch Dy SP Suresh Babu took him into custody from his residence around noon on Thursday.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The Sabarimala gold case has been registered against 10 individuals, including Potty, under the following Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections:
- Section 403 – Dishonest misappropriation of property
- Section 406 – Criminal breach of trust
- Section 466 – Forgery of valuable security
- Section 467 – Forgery of property worth more than fifty rupees
The SIT’s investigation is ongoing, and further custodial interrogation is expected to clarify the full extent of the misappropriation and involvement of other individuals in the case.
Context and Implications
The case has sent ripples through Kerala and among devotees of Sabarimala, raising concerns about the security and management of temple assets. The alleged misappropriation of gold from Dwarapalaka idols—sacred guardians of the temple—has added to the sensitivity of the investigation, prompting the authorities to act swiftly to prevent potential flight risks.
The SIT’s report indicates a systematic effort to extract gold over several years, including transporting the items across states and involving third-party entities. If proven, the allegations could have significant legal and administrative repercussions, including reforms in temple management and stricter monitoring of religious donations.
The investigation continues under strict supervision, and Potty remains in SIT custody until October 30, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks.
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