Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold smuggling case is questioning UDF convener and MP Adoor Prakash over his links with one of the accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.

Last month, Prakash clarified his interactions with Potti amid growing media scrutiny. He stated that Potti had visited him in Bengaluru while he was in the city, bringing a gift packet containing dates and small items, with the cover carrying an invitation to his niece's function. Prakash also mentioned that Potti later called him when an appointment with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was arranged, reportedly through Potti's connection with her secretary, Madhavan.

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Prakash emphasised that these interactions were part of routine constituent engagement. He attended a temple ceremony for a house key-handing over organised by Potti and visited during the passing of Potti's father. He clarified that he has not met Potti since learning of his involvement in the gold theft case and severed all ties immediately. He alleged that reports linking him to wrongdoing are politically motivated and insisted that his conduct has always been guided by professional courtesy rather than complicity.

The Sabarimala gold loss cases involve the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at the Lord Ayyappa temple following replating of the claddings on the artefacts.

The Kerala High Court had constituted the SIT to probe the case, which has drawn national attention due to its religious and political implications.