What is Sabarimala temple gold ‘theft’ controversy and How Prime Accused Is Arrested in The High-Profile Case?

In a major breakthrough in the sensational Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court has arrested Unnikrishnan Potti, a key sponsor and the prime accused in the temple gold robbery scandal. Potti was taken into custody after several hours of intense questioning by the SIT team led by SP Bijoy. His arrest marks the first major development since the court intervened in what has now become one of Kerala’s biggest religious and administrative controversies.

According to officials, all formalities connected to the remand report have been completed, and Potti will be produced before the Ranni Court by noon on Saturday. Before his court appearance, he underwent a medical examination at the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital. Authorities confirmed that he will remain in SIT custody until further orders.

A Case That Shook Sabarimala’s Sanctity

Potti’s arrest comes as the first significant step in solving the theft of gold from the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the kattilappadi (threshold) of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in South India.

The SIT has filed two separate FIRs against Potti, who allegedly misappropriated temple gold under the guise of sponsorship. The investigation has so far arraigned 10 people, with Potti named in both cases. The total estimated theft amounts to 475 grams of gold (around 56 sovereigns). Shockingly, investigators found that only about three grams were actually used for plating the idols, while the rest was allegedly diverted for personal gain.

Reports suggest that Potti had also collected money from two individuals in Bengaluru for the same temple works, effectively defrauding multiple parties. During interrogation, Potti reportedly confessed that the gold theft was premeditated and claimed that certain Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials were aware of, and may have even benefited from, the scheme. Sources indicate that the stolen gold was distributed among members of the board, further deepening the scandal’s reach.

High Court’s Stern Rebuke to Devaswom Board

The controversy began unraveling when the Kerala High Court, on September 12, pulled up the Travancore Devaswom Board for removing the gold-plated copper coverings of the dwarapalaka idols without obtaining prior permission from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. Taking suo motu cognisance, a division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar expressed grave concern over the irregular procedure.

The court observed that although the gold plating was guaranteed for 40 years, defects appeared in just six years, prompting the TDB to send the coverings to Chennai for repair a move made without mandatory disclosure or supervision. The Board later apologised unconditionally, but the High Court was far from convinced. It directed the TDB to halt all repair work immediately and ensure that the items were brought back to the Sannidhanam (temple premises).

Further scrutiny by the court exposed serious inconsistencies in the documentation and approval process. Initially, the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner had recommended the traditional method of gold coating using 303 grams of gold (worth ₹31 lakh). However, after discussions with the sponsor now identified as Potti the commissioner reversed his stance and proposed electroplating at an external facility, violating the TDB Sub Group Manual, which mandates that all such work be done at the temple itself.

Calling the entire process “replete with unanswered questions,” the bench stressed that temple assets must be protected by trustees, archakas, and shebaits and that courts have a constitutional responsibility to prevent the misappropriation of religious property. The High Court has since ordered the seizure of all records related to the gold plating and the cladding of idols, including documents concerning an older pair of dwarapalaka idols kept in the temple strong room, which are suspected to have been stripped for gold.

Missing Records, New Leads, and Expanding Probe

Following Potti’s arrest, the SIT has begun exploring larger angles of Sabarimala gold case. Another key suspect, identified only as Kalpesh, allegedly served as a middleman connecting Potti to a Chennai-based enterprise, Smart Creations, which carried out the plating and repair works. Investigators have not ruled out the company’s involvement in the gold diversion.

Crucially, several records related to Smart Creations’ work orders, invoices, and gold estimates are missing. The SIT has also traced potential links to a Hyderabad resident, who may have played a logistical role in transporting the stolen material. These revelations have widened the scope of the probe beyond Kerala, suggesting a network that spanned multiple states.

The SIT is expected to submit a progress report to the Kerala High Court in a sealed cover next week, detailing financial trails, communication records, and Potti’s confession statements. Sources indicate that more arrests could follow once electronic and paper trail analysis is complete.

As the case took a political turn, the Kerala BJP launched a sharp attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government. BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar demanded the resignation of State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, alleging gross administrative failure and complicity within the Devaswom Board.

“The BJP will request the Centre to initiate a CBI or Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into this matter,” Chandrasekhar said during a Mahila Yuva Morcha protest in Thiruvananthapuram. He accused the ruling dispensation of shielding corrupt officials and mismanaging temple affairs under political influence.

The Sabarimala gold theft row has now escalated into a religious and political storm, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of temple administration in Kerala. With nearly 60 lakh devotees expected for the upcoming pilgrimage season, the controversy threatens to overshadow the state’s preparations for the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku festival.

TDB’s Response and Internal Action

Responding to the mounting criticism, Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth acknowledged “procedural lapses” and said internal vigilance had already identified nine officials for dereliction of duty. “Action has already been taken against Deputy Devaswom Commissioner B. Murari Babu, and further action will be discussed at the board meeting,” he said.

Among the officials under scrutiny are Secretary Jayashree, Executive Officer Sudheesh, Administrative Officer Sreekumar, and former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Baiju. Prasanth maintained that these lapses occurred before the tenure of the current board, urging critics not to politicise the matter.

Defending the present administration, he stated, “It is clear that the current board has nothing to do with the issue. Allegations are being made without understanding the timeline.” He further appealed for calm, warning that such controversies could distract from the temple’s logistical and spiritual preparations.

The Sabarimala gold theft scandal has evolved from a technical irregularity into a symbol of institutional decay and betrayal of public faith. The arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti, once a trusted sponsor of the temple, has peeled back the layers of a deep-rooted nexus involving mismanagement, procedural violations, and possible collusion within the Travancore Devaswom Board.

As the Kerala High Court continues to monitor the probe, and the SIT uncovers more evidence, the case is poised to test not just legal accountability but also the moral integrity of temple governance in Kerala. For millions of Ayyappa devotees, what began as a sacred act of gold offering has turned into a painful reminder that even temples once seen as untouchable sanctuaries are not immune to greed and corruption.