The Kerala State Crime Branch has registered two FIRs over the alleged gold misappropriation linked to Sabarimala temple’s renovation works. Unnikrishnan Potti, a priest-turned-businessman, has been named as the prime accused. Several Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) staff members have also been listed among the accused. The FIRs, based on findings from the Devaswom Vigilance, have been transferred to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further probe.

One case involves suspected irregularities in the gold-cladding of the dwarapalaka idols, while the second concerns the alleged diversion of gold from the side frames and lintel of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil). Investigators will examine claims of unauthorised gold removal, its illegal movement, and related fraudulent activities.

During a recent hearing, the Kerala High Court noted similarities between the latest case and an earlier fraud concerning the gold-plated dwarapalaka idols. The court pointed out that approximately 474.9 grams of gold had been handed over directly to Potti, but no records showed that an equivalent quantity was ever officially received by the TDB.

The court had earlier constituted the SIT to examine all aspects of the idol gold-plating irregularities. Following the new revelations about the sreekovil side frames and lintel, these matters will now also fall under the SIT’s jurisdiction. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the misappropriation and identify any additional individuals involved.