Kerala SIT arrests prime suspect Unnikrishnan Potti in Sabarimala gold theft case
Kerala SIT arrests main accused Unnikrishnan Potti
Unnikrishnan Potti reported two gold-copper overlays missing from Sabarimala temple; they were later found at his sister’s home.
The Kerala High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged misappropriation of gold-plated copper moulds from the sacred Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple made a crucial breakthrough on Friday morning, October 17, 2025, with the arrest of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. The arrest, made in the early hours, marks the first major development in a case that has stirred deep emotions across Kerala and reignited debates over faith, accountability, and corruption in temple administration.
According to officials, Potti was taken into custody from his residence in Pathanamthitta district after days of close surveillance. The SIT had been tracing his movements ever since he was identified as the central figure in the disappearance of gold-plated copper overlays that adorned the intricate stone carvings and sculptures of the revered temple. These ornate coverings, symbolically significant and spiritually cherished by devotees, were found to be missing earlier this year, leading to public outrage and demands for a transparent investigation.
The case gained further traction after Potti himself, who once served as an assistant to a priest appointed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in the early 2010s, revealed that two copper-gold overlays he had personally donated to the temple in 2019 had gone missing. His revelation, initially seen as a complaint, soon took a dramatic turn when investigators discovered that the missing items were later recovered from his sister’s home. This shocking twist not only raised suspicions about his involvement but also exposed glaring lapses in the temple’s custodial management of offerings and valuables.
The SIT, which had been formed under the supervision of the Kerala High Court following widespread protests, intensified its probe in recent weeks. The investigation team, led by senior IPS officer R. Gopakumar, meticulously examined records, financial documents, and testimonies from temple officials, staff, and artisans involved in the temple’s renovation work. The team also sought expert forensic assistance to determine whether the gold layers had been tampered with or replaced.
The arrest of Potti came amid growing political and public pressure. Opposition parties, led by the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been staging statewide protests demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan and TDB President P. S. Prasanth. They allege that the theft occurred due to the gross negligence and corruption within the Devaswom Board, which oversees temple administration in Kerala. As protests escalated outside key government offices and temple premises, police were deployed to maintain law and order, especially near Sabarimala and in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Sabarimala Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage centers in India, attracts millions of devotees each year, particularly during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Any controversy involving the temple is bound to strike an emotional chord among devotees, many of whom contribute offerings in gold and other precious materials as symbols of devotion. The alleged misappropriation, therefore, has not only triggered outrage among the faithful but also rekindled concerns over how temple assets are managed and safeguarded.
Following Potti’s arrest, the SIT officials stated that he would be interrogated further to uncover whether others, including officials linked to the Travancore Devaswom Board, were complicit in the disappearance and concealment of the temple ornaments. “This is just the beginning,” an SIT officer said on condition of anonymity. “The probe will now expand to identify how the ornaments were removed, who aided in their concealment, and whether any systemic loopholes were exploited.”
Meanwhile, the state government has maintained that it has no intention of interfering with the court-monitored investigation. Minister Vasavan reiterated that the government “respects the judiciary’s oversight” and that “truth will prevail once the investigation reaches its logical conclusion.” However, the opposition remains unconvinced, accusing the government of shielding officials linked to the scandal.
For devotees and observers, the unfolding episode has been disheartening. The sanctity of Sabarimala, long seen as a symbol of faith, equality, and devotion, now stands overshadowed by allegations of deceit and betrayal of trust. As the SIT continues its investigation, the people of Kerala await justice — hoping that this time, accountability will not be lost in the labyrinth of politics and bureaucracy.