Investigation into Sabarimala Gold Case; Focus Shifts from Bengaluru to Hyderabad Native Nagesh
The investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft has now extended to Hyderabad. The probe is focusing on a close associate of Unnikrishnan Potti, who is identified as Nagesh, the owner of a gold works establishment in Hyderabad.
Investigators suspect that Potti stole the temple gold with Nagesh’s help. The Dwarapalaka panels, which were earlier moved from Bengaluru, were reportedly taken to Nagesh’s workshop, where he kept the gold in his possession for nearly a month. It was also Nagesh who transported the panels to “Smart Creations” for the gold-plating work. Based on these findings, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has decided to interrogate Nagesh soon.
Meanwhile, ADGP H. Venkatesh, who heads the SIT probing the gold theft, is expected to visit Sabarimala today or tomorrow to review the progress of the investigation. He will meet the SIT members stationed at the Sannidhanam, examine the documents and evidence collected so far, and also assess the arrangements being made for President Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming visit to the shrine.
Separate FIRs have been registered by the SIT in connection with the thefts from the Dwarapalaka idols and the temple door panels. In both cases, Unnikrishnan Potti is named as the prime accused.
In the case related to the Dwarapalaka idols, besides Potti, nine Devaswom Board employees have also been named as co-accused. Charges include theft, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. In the temple door gold theft case, even the Devaswom Board itself has been listed as an accused party.
The case was handed over to the SIT based on the direction of DGP R. Chandrasekhar. The probe is being conducted under the supervision of ADGP H. Venkatesh, with Assistant Director S. Sharidharan from the Police Academy overseeing operations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the gold thefts took place in two different phases — the door panel gold is believed to have been melted down and stolen in March 2019, while the Dwarapalaka idols’ gold is suspected to have been misappropriated in August 2019. The SIT is now conducting a detailed investigation into both incidents.