Sabarimala gold theft: SIT uncovers strong links between Padmakumar and Potti

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made crucial findings in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case. Strong evidence has emerged against A Padmakumar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who was arrested in the case. The SIT has found documents that establish his connection with Unnikrishnan Potti. During a raid conducted at Padmakumar’s house on Friday, documents related to financial transactions were also recovered.

The inspection at Padmakumar’s residence lasted for nearly 12 hours. The main focus of the investigation was to collect information about financial dealings between Potti and Padmakumar. It is learnt that the SIT has obtained documents particularly related to land transactions.

Statements from Unnikrishnan Potti had earlier confirmed that huge financial dealings were linked to the Sabarimala gold heist. He had also stated that he shared a close relationship with Padmakumar. However, Padmakumar had denied these claims. The SIT’s search was aimed at gathering evidence that could validate Potti’s earlier statements.

During 2020, 2021, and 2022, Potti and Padmakumar reportedly carried out major financial dealings, especially in real estate. The SIT had information that land-related transactions had taken place in Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, and Thiruvananthapuram. The raid at Padmakumar’s home was conducted to retrieve related documents. Sources say the documents have been found.

The SIT has also obtained proof that Padmakumar and Unnikrishnan Potti shared a close friendship. When Padmakumar was serving as the Travancore Devaswom Board president, Potti was a regular visitor to his house in Pathanamthitta — even staying there at times. The SIT suspects that criminal conspiracy may have been hatched at the house.