Sabarimala gold theft: SIT finds removal of prabhamandalam gold coating
Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has found that gold coating was also stolen from the prabhamandalam( a traditional ornamental arch used in Indian art and temples to frame deities) of Lord Ayyappa. The theft involved the structure fixed above the sanctum door frame, which features sculptures of Lord Shiva and vyali figures.
The investigation revealed that gold coating was removed from multiple temple components, including two copper plates depicting the Dashavatara, two plates engraved with zodiac symbols, and the plate fixed on the upper step of the sanctum door frame. The SIT stated that the quantity of gold stolen from the dwarapalaka sculptures and the door frame was higher than initially estimated.
Preliminary findings indicate that around 989 grams of gold was stolen. Officials said the total amount may increase after scientific examination by the VSSC.
According to the SIT, gold plates on the dwarapalaka sculptures were removed on July 19, 2019, while the pillar plates were taken off on July 20, 2019. Records show that the material was sent to Smart Creations in Chennai, where 989 grams of gold was separated. Of this, 96.021 grams was retained by the firm as labour charges, and 394 grams was re-coated onto plates. The remaining 474.957 grams was handed over to Rodham Jewellery owner Govardhan through Kalpesh, an intermediary of Unnikrishnan Potty.
The SIT later seized 109.243 grams of gold from Pankaj Bhandari and 474.96 grams from Rodham Jewellery. Investigators found that the stolen gold was used by the accused for personal purposes. The SIT said A. Padmakumar, N. Vasu, K. S. Baiju, D. Sudheesh Kumar and Murari Babu conspired with Unnikrishnan Potty to carry out the theft.
Kadakampally May Be Questioned Again
Former minister Kadakampally Surendran may be questioned again as investigators found contradictions in the statements he gave earlier. Unnikrishnan Potty, taken into custody on Wednesday, was questioned regarding these statements. Former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar will also be questioned in jail in connection with Kadakampally.
The SIT will examine Kadakampally’s foreign travel during his tenure as minister. Details of 13 foreign trips made between 2016 and 2021 have been collected, including five private visits. Investigators will also gather information on his travel to Bengaluru and Chennai, following reports that he met Unnikrishnan Potty at a star hotel in Bengaluru. Kadakampally has stated that he visited the city to attend a programme organised by the Malayali Samajam.