Former Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu Named Third Accused in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development, former Devaswom Commissioner N Vasu has been named as the third accused in the ongoing investigation into the theft of gold from the sacred door frames (kattilappalikal) at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. This revelation emerged from the custody report related to Unnikrishnan Potty, who is the first accused in the high-profile case.

A special investigation team had previously interrogated N Vasu in connection with the incident. Vasu’s tenure as Devaswom Commissioner spanned two terms, and notably, he later ascended to the position of President of the Devaswom Board just months after the gold theft came to light. A crucial aspect of the case involves Vasu’s alleged action of officially documenting the gold panel as a copper plate.

Further scrutiny revealed an email communication between Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused, and N Vasu. Potty had informed Vasu via email that surplus gold remained after the primary renovation work on the Dvarapalaka sculptures and the sanctum sanctorum was completed. In the same communication, Potty expressed his desire to utilize this excess gold for the marriage expenses of a girl in need. Vasu subsequently confirmed that he indeed received this email from Unnikrishnan Potty on December 9, 2019.

The special investigation team is poised to present its second progress report on the case to the High Court on Wednesday. This report is expected to furnish comprehensive details, including the critical finding that the gold-plated door panel was officially recorded as a copper plate in the mahasar (inventory report) based on the direct recommendation of N Vasu, who was then serving as the Devaswom Commissioner. The submission of this report is anticipated to bring more clarity and further advancements in the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft.