Thiruvananthapuram: A new photograph purportedly showing Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, with former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has surfaced. The newly emerged photograph comes at a time when questions over their alleged association have resurfaced.

Earlier, Surendran had said he visited Potti’s residence only once, claiming it was in response to an invitation for a function. A photograph from that visit had also emerged at the time. However, a local resident later claimed that Surendran had visited Potti’s house in Pulimath on multiple occasions, a claim the former minister denied. The latest image now suggests that Surendran visited Potti’s residence more than once.

It may be noted that earlier media reports on statements given by accused, including Potti and former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A. Padmakumar, said Potti and Surendran had close ties. However, Surendran has either denied or declined to comment on such claims in the media.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recorded Surendran’s statement in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case.