Gold seized from Unnikrishnan Potti’s Bengaluru residence: Reports

Kochi: In a major breakthrough in the Sabarimala missing gold controversy, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) seized 176 grams of gold from the residence of key accused Unnikrishnan Potti in Karnataka, according to media reports. 

The search is reportedly ongoing at Potti’s Bengaluru residence.

Earlier, SIT also recovered gold from the shop of Ballari-based jeweller Govardhan. The operation, led by SP Sasidharan, uncovered gold bars weighing over 400 grams. Furthermore, gold coins and approximately ₹2,00,000 in cash were also seized from the home of Potti in Pulimath, Pathanamthitta.

SIT, constituted by the Kerala High Court, had taken up the probe after noticing a reduction in the weight of the gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols at the Sabarimala temple.

So far, the SIT has registered two cases and arrested two individuals: Unnikrishnan Potti, who sponsored the gold-plating work, and former Sabarimala administrative officer B Murari Babu. Both were taken into custody in connection with the disappearance of gold from the temple.

The investigation continues, with authorities working to recover the remaining missing gold and ascertain the full extent of the alleged misappropriation.