Sabarimala gold theft: Court dismisses bail pleas of Unnikrishnan Potti

The Kollam Vigilance Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail petitions filed by Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, in both related cases. Potti had moved fresh bail applications in the main gold theft case as well as in the Dwarapalaka sculpture case.

Seeking bail, Potti told the court that he was the first person arrested in the case and that he had already completed 90 days in judicial custody. He argued that continued detention was unnecessary as the mandatory remand period had elapsed.

The prosecution opposed the plea, stating that the investigation was still in progress.

Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had also opposed bail, informing the court that Unnikrishnan Potti, Govardhan and Pankaj Bhandari played significant roles in the alleged gold smuggling. The SIT contended that the gravity of the allegations warranted continued custody.

After hearing both sides, the court dismissed the bail pleas.