Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe: SIT Questions Sabarimala Chief Thantris in Multi-Crore Gold Heist

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational theft of gold offerings from Lord Ayyappa’s sanctum at Sabarimala has escalated its investigation dramatically by recording detailed statements from the temple’s two highest spiritual authorities—the chief thantris, Kandararu Mohanararu and Kandararu Rajeevararu—amid growing suspicion that the multi-crore heist could not have occurred without some level of internal sanction or oversight lapse.

Appearing before the SIT on separate days, the thantris acknowledged a long-standing acquaintance with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, dating back to 2008 when he functioned as a melshanti’s assistant, but categorically denied any monetary dealings, direct involvement in the removal of gold-plated sheets, or knowledge of the systematic smuggling operation that allegedly siphoned off several kilograms of pure gold over multiple years.

Investigators have established that the physical stripping of gold sheets from sacred vessels and their subsequent transportation outside the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) required explicit permission from the thantris, as only they possess the ritual authority to authorize the dismantling of consecrated objects—ostensibly to ascertain divine will before relocating or renovating temple property—making their role a focal point of the ongoing inquiry.

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Sources within the SIT revealed that the priests were specifically questioned about whether they had noticed any unusual weight reduction in the artifacts, whether proper documentation accompanied every removal, and whether Unnikrishnan Potti or his associates ever sought or received verbal or written clearance, answers that will determine if the thantris face charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to negligence of sacred duty.

As the investigation pierces the traditionally impenetrable veil of temple priesthood, the Sabarimala gold theft case has evolved into a profound crisis of faith and governance, threatening to erode public confidence in the Travancore Devaswom Board, compelling a complete overhaul of security protocols for hallowed offerings, and potentially leading to unprecedented legal accountability for those entrusted with guarding one of India’s richest and most revered spiritual treasuries.

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