SIT grills Unnikrishnan Potty again in Sabarimala gold theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has again questioned Unnikrishnan Potty, the main accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The SIT's move comes as the final report in the case is to be submitted on Monday. The SIT asked for information about the gold frames being taken away in 2025. He was grilled at the crime branch headquarters. The interrogation by a team led by H Venkatesh lasted for eight hours.

The SIT is planning to register a new case based on the findings of a conspiracy while handing over the gold frames in 2025. The SIT's finding is that nine people have a role in handing over it and there is a mystery in handing over the frames to Unnikrishnan Potty in 2025 after violating rules.

The high court while considering the Sabarimala gold theft case observed that the dwarapalaka frames were taken to Chennai for repairs in 2025 to cover up the gold theft in 2019. Finally, after an extensive investigation, the SIT informed the high court that there was a conspiracy in handing over the gold frames in 2025 and there were lapses from the side of the previous governing body.

The investigation progress report submitted by the SIT states that even after the color of the gold had faded by 2025, the devaswom board was not ready to investigate and handed over the frames to Unnikrishnan Potty in the name of having warranty.