In a significant development in the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft investigation, the Kollam Vigilance Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) two-day custody of the primary accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and the secondary accused, Murari Babu. This custodial interrogation is aimed at uncovering further details in the alleged misappropriation of gold from the revered Sabarimala temple's sacred artefacts.

Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused, is charged in connection with the disappearance of gold from the door frame of the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil). Murari Babu, a former Travancore Devaswom Board administrative officer, faces allegations related to the gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols. Both accused will be transported to Thiruvananthapuram for intensive questioning by the SIT, which is probing potential conspiracy and procedural lapses dating back to 2019.

The court's decision, delivered by Vigilance Court Judge Dr C S Mohit, was based on the prosecution's submission highlighting newly acquired evidence that warrants deeper examination. This evidence reportedly includes discrepancies in official records where gold-plated items were erroneously documented as copper, facilitating their removal for purported restoration work handled by Unnikrishnan Potti.

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The case originated from allegations that gold-plated copper panels and coverings, originally donated and installed in the late 1990s, were removed in 2019 under the pretext of refurbishment. Investigations revealed weight reductions and potential substitution, leading to the Kerala High Court appointing the SIT to oversee a thorough probe, including forensic analysis of remaining artefacts.

This latest remand underscores the gravity of the scandal, which has implicated several former Travancore Devaswom Board officials and raised questions about institutional oversight at one of India's most prominent pilgrimage sites. The SIT's efforts continue to focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of temple assets, amid widespread public concern over the sanctity of devotional offerings.

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