Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT records statement from actor Jayaram at Chennai residence

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken a crucial step in the Sabarimala gold theft case by recording the statement of actor Jayaram. The statement was recorded at his residence in Chennai the other day.

Reports had pointed to inconsistencies in the explanations earlier given by Jayaram regarding the pooja conducted in connection with the gold-plated panels linked to Sabarimala. It is in this backdrop that the SIT decided to question him, sources said.

Jayaram reportedly told the SIT that he did not have clarity on what was done with the gold panels. He said he had a close association with Unnikrishnan Potti, whom he knew as an important person connected with Sabarimala. He met Potti during the Makaravilakku season, after which Potti visited his Chennai residence on several occasions.

Jayaram stated that a pooja was performed at his home when the Dwarapalaka panels were brought there. He also said he had participated in a pooja held at Smart Creations, the company involved in the gold plating, where the gold panels were kept, adding that he had attended the ritual at Potti’s invitation. He reportedly told the SIT that he had no acquaintance with Smart Creations or the sponsors.

The SIT will examine whether there are inconsistencies in Jayaram’s statement before deciding on further steps.

Earlier, Jayaram had stated that the pooja at Smart Creations and the pooja held at his residence took place on the same day. However, it later emerged that the pooja at Smart Creations, in which Jayaram participated, involved gold pedestal panels and was held in June 2019. The pooja conducted at his residence involved the Dwarapalaka panels and took place in September that year. Reports had pointed out the discrepancy in Jayaram’s statement that the rituals conducted two months apart were held on the same day. The SIT is said to have sought clarifications on all these aspects.