Verdict Expected Wednesday on Sabarimala Gold Theft Bail Plea

Kollam: The Kollam Vigilance Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on Wednesday regarding the bail application of Unnikrishnan Potty, the principal accused and alleged sponsor in the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case. The plea specifically addresses the theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol panel at the revered temple. Potty’s legal team argues for bail, citing the prosecution’s failure to file a charge sheet within the stipulated 90-day period.

However, even if bail is granted in the Dwarapalaka idol panel case, Unnikrishnan Potty will remain in custody. He is also a primary suspect in a separate but related case involving the theft of gold from the temple’s doorframe panel. There is a possibility that Potty could secure bail in the doorframe case as well if the charge sheet is not submitted within the next three weeks.

Potty was arrested on October 17, 2025, in connection with the gold heist. He has reportedly confessed to selling the gold stolen from Sabarimala and converting it into cash. Further revelations from the investigation indicate the involvement of approximately 15 individuals, including high-ranking officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board, in the conspiracy.

These disclosures strongly suggest that the incident at Sabarimala was not merely a random act but a meticulously planned conspiracy and an organized theft. The theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol panel and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframe was registered as two distinct cases. Currently, a total of 13 individuals have been named as accused across both cases. Potty has also reportedly provided the investigation team with the names of additional individuals involved. He further stated that the gold obtained from sponsors was monetized and subsequently utilized for various land transactions.