Sabarimala Gold Theft: Former Devaswom Board President N. Vasu Questioned by SIT

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned N. Vasu, the former President and former Devaswom Commissioner of the Devaswom Board, in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. Vasu’s statement was officially recorded. This questioning follows the earlier interrogation of Vasu’s Personal Assistant, Sudheesh Kumar, by the special investigation team. SP Sasidharan conducted the questioning of N. Vasu.

Vasu confirmed that Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused in the case, had sent him an email on December 9, 2019. In this email, Potti expressed a desire to use the remaining gold, after completing the work on the Dvarapalaka sculptures and the Sreekovil, for the wedding expenses of a girl in need. However, Vasu clarified that the email was not a request for the Devaswom Board President’s permission, but rather sought advice.

Vasu had previously explained that he believed the email pertained to the leftover gold from the contract with the Board, which stipulated the use of Unnikrishnan Potti’s own gold for plating the Dvarapalaka sculptures. He stated that he had printed the email, written “seek opinion from Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and Sabarimala Executive Officer” on it, and subsequently did not inquire about what happened thereafter.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti in connection with the gold theft case will be formally recorded today. The investigating team is expected to approach the Ranni court to request custody of the accused. Unnikrishnan Potti is currently on remand.