Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: SIT Says Unnikrishnan Potty, Govardhan and Pankaj Pandari Planned Large-Scale Operation

Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has informed the Kerala High Court that the alleged Sabarimala gold theft was the result of a conspiracy involving the main accused — Unnikrishnan Potty, Govardhan and Pankaj Pandari. In a report submitted to the court, the SIT said the three had jointly orchestrated the operation to carry out a major theft at the hill shrine.

The details of the alleged conspiracy were placed before the court in the SIT’s submission opposing the bail plea filed by Govardhan. According to the investigation team, the accused held secret meetings in Bengaluru in October 2025. The report also states that after the theft came to light, steps were taken to suppress evidence and blur the trail of the conspiracy. As part of this effort, Unnikrishnan Potty was reportedly taken to Bengaluru, the SIT said.

The SIT further pointed out that substantial sums of money shown as being linked to offerings at Sabarimala were transferred to the bank accounts of the accused, several of which have been flagged as suspicious. These transactions, the investigation team told the court, indicate attempts to conceal the real nature of the offence. What took place, it said, was a large-scale theft. The SIT added that Bengaluru was chosen for meetings and coordination to avoid detection.

The investigation team told the court that scientific examination and forensic analysis are required to determine the full extent of the theft. It argued that the accused should not be granted bail until these procedures are completed.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had granted additional time for the investigation in the case. Acting on a request from the Special Investigation Team, the Devaswom Bench allowed six weeks for further probe. The SIT is scheduled to submit its next interim report before the High Court on the 19th of this month.