SIT Records Scientists’ Statements; Political Heat Rises Over Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has begun recording statements of scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) as part of efforts to analyse the scientific examination of artefacts from the Lord Ayyappa temple.
Sources said the scientists told the SIT that several aspects of the complex findings are yet to be fully decoded. They reportedly indicated that at least another week would be required for complete clarity and that the results need to be compared with the scientific examination of an earlier door panel.
Meanwhile, the SIT has intensified its probe into the financial transactions of tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, suspecting irregularities after it emerged that he did not lodge any complaint despite losing Rs 2.5 crore deposited in a private bank in Thiruvalla that later went bankrupt. The information surfaced during the investigation into his financial sources.
During questioning, Rajeevaru reportedly mentioned only the loss of some money during floods and did not disclose details of the amount deposited in the bankrupt bank. This omission prompted the SIT to initiate a separate probe into the Rs 2.5-crore transaction. The SIT had earlier taken him into custody and questioned him regarding his dealings with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and his alleged links with other accused in the case. His bail plea is scheduled to be considered by the vigilance court on Wednesday.
In a parallel development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating alleged money laundering linked to the gold heist, is set to record the statement of Murari Babu, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrator and the second accused. A notice is expected this week directing him to appear before the ED’s Kochi office.
Murari Babu, who had earlier been remanded in the Sabarimala gold theft case, was recently released on bail in the dwarapalaka and kattalipali cases. The Kollam vigilance court granted him statutory bail after 90 days of arrest, subject to strict conditions. Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti was also granted statutory bail in the dwarapalaka case but continues in judicial custody in the kattalipali case as the mandatory 90-day period has not yet been completed.
As per reports, a Devaprasnam conducted in 2014 had revealed that the temple flagpole was in poor condition and had been illegally painted. The ritual inquiry reportedly directed that the existing flagpole be reinstalled and a new wooden flagpole be erected.
The Devaprasnam was held on June 18, 2014, and the Travancore Devaswom Board at the time was led by M P Govindan Nair, who had been appointed by the then UDF government.
The flagpole was subsequently reinstalled in February 2017, when Congress leader Prayar Gopalakrishnan was the president of the board. It was after this that the Vaji Vahanam from the flagpole was allegedly handed over to the Tantri.
Congress(UDF) Targets SIT and State Government
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan on Saturday alleged serious lapses in the investigation, claiming the SIT created a situation that enabled the accused to secure statutory bail by failing to file even an interim chargesheet.
“As the arrested accused come out on statutory bail, there is a possibility they might tamper with evidence, especially when the misappropriated gold has not yet been recovered,” Satheesan told reporters. He further alleged that pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) was delaying the filing of the chargesheet.
He made the remarks in reference to Murari Babu being released on statutory bail in both cases and Unnikrishnan Potti securing similar relief in one of the cases. “Creating a situation where the accused can get statutory bail was not at all correct,” he said.
CPM Rejects Allegations - LDF
CPM state secretary M V Govindan on Sunday rejected the Opposition’s Allegations, asserting that the party has consistently supported the probe and that action should be taken against all accused without exception.
“We have fully supported the investigation from the beginning. Our stance has remained unchanged ever since the demand for an SIT was raised,” Govindan said. Referring to developments dating back to 2017, he said a temple flagpole was falsely claimed to be termite-infested and replaced, after which the sacred object on top of flagpole was allegedly handed over illegally to the tanthri. The object was later seized from the tanthri’s residence, and it was based on these developments that the court ordered a probe covering the past 20 years.
Govindan dismissed Satheesan’s allegation that the probe was proceeding improperly and pointed out that the prime accused had met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, a matter he said the Opposition had failed to explain. “The probe is not yet complete. The Kerala High Court is monitoring the SIT. There is no point in blaming the state government at this stage,” he said.
He also remarked that while Congress leaders had raised slogans in Parliament saying “Pottiye kettiye,” it was now clear who had enabled Unnikrishnan Potti. “Let the investigation proceed fully. We will extend complete support,” he added.
BJP Sharpens Offensive on LDF
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (January 23, 2026) promised that the culprits in the Sabarimala gold loss case would be jailed if the BJP came to power in Kerala.
Addressing a public meeting in Thiruvananthapuram after flagging off new trains and infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister said the state was on the cusp of “Parivarthan.”
“The entire country has unwavering faith in Lord Ayyappa. However, the LDF government has left no stone unturned in damaging the traditions of the Sabarimala Temple. Now, reports of gold theft are emerging from here. I want to make one thing clear: the moment a BJP government is formed here, a thorough investigation will take place, and the culprits will have their place in jail,” he said.
About 4.54 kilograms of gold were allegedly misappropriated from temple artefacts, including the sreekovil doorframes and the dwarapalaka idols. The theft is believed to have occurred in 2019 after refinishing and regold-plating of temple structures.
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday claimed that Unnikrishnan Potti enjoyed political patronage under both Congress and CPM regimes. He displayed a photograph of Sonia Gandhi with Potti and pointed to similar meetings allegedly held with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, intensifying the political slugfest over the high-profile case.
As the SIT awaits crucial scientific clarity and enforcement agencies widen their probe, the Sabarimala gold theft case continues to fuel sharp political confrontation in Kerala, with questions mounting over accountability, delay, and the recovery of the allegedly misappropriated gold.