SIT Traces Illegal Land Deals Linked to Sabarimala Gold Theft Accused

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold theft from the Sabarimala temple has found that prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty was involved in several illegal land transactions. Investigators suspect that the money he embezzled through temple-related sponsorships and other channels was diverted into large-scale property deals.
Documents seized during a raid at Potty’s residence revealed multiple real estate transactions carried out in both Kerala and Bengaluru. Officials believe these deals, amounting to crores of rupees, were conducted over the past few years using proceeds from temple-linked funds and gold misappropriation.
During the search, investigators also found bundles of burnt papers near his house, raising suspicion that crucial financial records may have been destroyed. Potty has reportedly admitted that the stolen gold from Sabarimala was sold and the money shared among those involved. The investigation suggests that the gold theft was not a single incident but executed in multiple stages with prior planning.
The SIT is currently interrogating Potty’s close associate Kalpesh, a Bengaluru resident, and Nagesh, the owner of a gold workshop in Hyderabad. Based on Potty’s statement, Kalpesh is believed to have played a central role in planning and coordinating the fraud.
Officials said the ongoing inquiry is focused on tracing the movement of money and assets obtained through the misappropriated temple gold. The findings point to a larger network behind the theft, with links extending beyond the state, raising concerns about how temple assets were systematically looted under the guise of sponsorships.