In a dramatic twist to the Sabarimala gold heist case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has raided the Bengaluru hideout of prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, uncovering crucial evidence that points to a Chennai link in the temple gold theft.
According to sources, the SIT seized documents and electronic evidence from a luxury mansion in Bengaluru where Potti allegedly operated. Investigators have also traced the illegal transfer of gold-plated temple ornaments through a Chennai-based firm, suggesting a cross-state network involved in the smuggling.
As per the remand report, Potti is accused of extracting nearly 2 kilograms of gold from the Sabarimala temple’s Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) plates in 2019. Only about 394.9 grams were replaced, while the rest was allegedly diverted through contacts in Bengaluru and Chennai.
The SIT believes the theft was part of a meticulously planned, multi-layered operation, and is now probing suspicious land deals and property transactions possibly linked to the crime’s proceeds. Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple, is facing growing scrutiny after the Kerala High Court directed the SIT to uncover the full conspiracy behind the gold theft.
With fresh raids underway in Bengaluru and follow-up operations expected in Chennai, investigators say the case is entering a decisive phase — one that could expose a wider network of temple gold trafficking across multiple states.
