Thiruvananthapuram: Images of Unnikrishnan Potty, a sponsor involved in the Sabarimala Ayyappan temple gold-plating project scam, attending the wedding of Kandararu Brahmadathan, son of former Sabarimala thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, have surfaced online, sparking renewed debate amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of gold plates from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

The wedding, held on August 25 at the Vijaya Convention Centre in Thiruvalla, was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Secretary and top Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials. Photos shared by Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan on Facebook show Potty alongside senior government functionaries, underlining his apparent proximity to influential figures.

According to several media reports, Potty had sought the permission of the Travancore Devaswom Board to use the leftover gold to help a needy girl in marriage.  

Amid the controversy, Potty told investigators that he, along with two others, had financed the gold-plating work at a cost of about ₹15 lakh. He maintained that the Travancore Devaswom Board had provided the copper plates used in the project and said the plates were taken to Chennai, where a puja was performed before the work commenced. Potty also said he was unaware of any legal issues related to the matter and that the concerned officials should respond to such questions.

During questioning by the Devaswom Vigilance over the weekend, Potty reiterated his claim that the gold plating was personally financed and that the TDB had supplied the copper plates, remaining consistent throughout the two-and-a-half-hour interrogation.