Temple Insiders Behind Sabarimala Artefact Gold Theft, SIT Tells Court
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Sabarimala missing gold case has informed a Vigilance Court that two individuals played a major role in a conspiracy to steal gold from temple artefacts during repair work carried out in 2019.
In a remand report submitted to the Vigilance Court in Kollam on December 19, the SIT identified Pankaj Bhandari of Smart Creations and Ballari-based jeweller Govardhan Roddam as key accused. Both were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the SIT, custodial questioning revealed that Bhandari and Roddam, along with the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, had planned the theft in advance. The gold was entrusted to them for electroplating work on temple artefacts. However, instead of safeguarding it, they allegedly removed a portion of the gold.
The investigation found that gold was separated from copper plates used in the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and other artefacts during the electroplating process. The SIT stated that the accused were fully aware that the gold belonged to the Sabarimala temple.
Investigators noted that the accused were individuals who were trusted with the responsibility of handling the temple’s valuables. Instead, they allegedly abused this trust and diverted the gold for personal gain.
The SIT also highlighted Bhandari’s close association with the Sabarimala temple. He had been involved in sponsorship-related activities connected to the shrine before 2019 and had visited Sabarimala several times. He was also aware of gold offerings made to the temple by the UB Group.
Additionally, the report stated that Bhandari had direct links with the Travancore Devaswom Board and some of its officials, giving him detailed knowledge of temple procedures and valuables.
Despite being aware of the religious and financial significance of the gold, the SIT said the accused went ahead with the theft, committing a serious breach of trust.
The investigation is ongoing, and the SIT is expected to question more individuals involved in the handling and supervision of temple artefacts.