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Sabarimala Gold Theft: SIT Tightens Grip Amid Temple Official Warnings

The SIT has significantly intensified its investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case. Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti has been remanded to judicial custody despite his health condition claims. Investigators have recovered 608 grams of stolen gold matching the temple's missing quantity and purity. The team is now taking strict action against Devasom officials for withholding crucial temple maintenance records.

Key Points: SIT Intensifies Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe Against Officials

  • Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti remanded to judicial custody despite epilepsy health concerns
  • Second accused Murari Babu arrested in both temple gold theft cases
  • 608 grams of stolen gold recovered from Bengaluru and Chennai searches
  • SIT warns Devasom officials for failing to provide 1999 temple maintenance records
  • Investigation focuses on false recording of gold panels as copper
  • Joint interrogation reveals conspiracy during temple renovation works
2 min read

Kerala: SIT tightens grip in Sabarimala gold theft case

Special Investigation Team arrests prime accused, recovers 608g gold, and warns Travancore Devasom Board officials for withholding crucial temple records.

"Legal action would be initiated against officials withholding records related to the 1999 gold-plating work - SIT Investigators"

Thiruvananthapuram Oct 30

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case on Thursday has tightened its probe and taken appropriate action against erring Travancore Devasom Board officials who fail to listen to their directive.

This decision was arrived at on a day when the prime accused in the two FIRs that the Kerala High Court constituted SIT – Unnikrishnan Potti’s police custody of 14 days ended, and he was remanded to judicial custody.

Potti, who was in SIT custody for interrogation, was produced before the court and remanded to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub-Jail. His counsel informed the court that he suffered from epilepsy and that jail detention would cause health difficulties. However, the prosecution assured that all necessary medical facilities were available in prison.

Meanwhile, the SIT informed the court that Potti’s arrest in the second case — related to the theft of gold plating from the Sreekovil’s Kattilappali panels — will be officially recorded on Friday. He will be produced before the Ranni court on November 3 for custodial interrogation. The team has already filed a request to take him into custody in the second case.

The SIT has also arrested the second accused, Murari Babu, in both theft cases. Investigators conducted a joint interrogation of the two, focusing on the alleged conspiracy to falsely record the gold-plated panels as copper during temple maintenance works.

Searches carried out earlier in Bengaluru and Chennai had led to the recovery of gold that matched the quantity and purity of the stolen Sabarimala gold. Recently, the SIT produced 608 grams of recovered gold before the Ranni court as part of evidence collection.

The probe team has also toughened its stance against certain Devasom officials for failing to furnish the required documents. The SIT warned that legal action would be initiated against officials withholding records related to the 1999 gold-plating work. Investigators said renovation and maintenance records of the temple are crucial for tracing the trail of the stolen gold, and that further delay would not be tolerated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see SIT taking strong action against Devasom officials who are not cooperating. Temple administration needs complete transparency. This case should set an example for other temple managements across India.
A
Arjun K
Stealing from a place of worship shows how low people can fall. The accused claiming health issues now - where was this concern when they were planning the theft? Justice must be served properly.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the investigation, I hope the SIT maintains proper procedures and doesn't resort to unnecessary harassment. Everyone deserves fair treatment, even the accused. The legal process should be followed meticulously.
V
Vikram M
Recovery of 608 grams gold is good progress! But this raises questions about temple security and auditing systems. How did this go unnoticed for so long? Need systemic reforms in temple administration across Kerala.
M
Michael C
As someone who visited Sabarimala last year, this news is disturbing. The temple's sanctity must be protected at all costs. Hope the investigation brings closure and better security measures are implemented.

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