Unnikrishnan Potty Arrested in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case; Names Devaswom Officials
Thiruvananthapuram: Unnikrishnan Potty, the sponsor in the Sabarimala gold theft case, has been arrested. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the High Court recorded the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potty. The arrest was made after interrogating him for about 12 hours while in custody. He will be produced before the Ranni court today. All procedures related to the remand report have been completed. The team led by SP Bijoy arrested Unnikrishnan Potty. This marks the first arrest among those named as accused in the Sabarimala case.
Potty, who is the first accused in two cases related to the disappearance of gold plates from the Dwarapalaka sculptures and gold doorframes in front of the Sabarimala Sreekovil in 2019, was taken into custody by the special investigation team at around 10 AM from his house in Pulimath, Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram. After being taken into custody, Potty was brought to the Crime Branch office in Enchakkal. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh interrogated Potty late into the night. The Crime Branch team questioned Potty extensively, presenting the evidence they had collected. The investigation team had stated that there were inconsistencies in Unnikrishnan Potty’s statements.
The investigation team questioned Potty, presenting evidence collected over the past five days, including from Sannidhanam. They inquired about the 39 days related to the removal of the gold plates. There are indications that the team, led by SP Sasidharan, found crucial evidence during a significant inspection conducted at Sannidhanam.
After hours of questioning, Unnikrishnan Potty was taken to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital for a medical examination at around 3 AM today. From there, he was brought back to the Enchakkal office. He will now be taken from here to be produced in court at 7 AM. Potty will be taken to the Ranni court and is expected to be produced by 12 PM. The investigation team will seek his custody. Based on Potty’s statements, Devaswom officials will also need to be questioned.
Potty was questioned based on documents and evidence collected regarding his involvement in the gold plate fraud, as well as information received from Chennai Smart Creations. The investigation is focused on who received the gold plates, how much gold was lost, and who all were involved in the fraud. Based on Potty’s statements, Devaswom officials will also need to be questioned.