Gold Heist at Sabarimala: SIT Files First Report

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed its first report on the gold loss from Sabarimala, presenting it to the Kerala High Court. The investigation focuses on missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and Sreekovil door frame, with 10 people, including Unnikrishnan Potty, named as accused.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the loss of gold from Sabarimala submitted its first report to the Kerala High Court on Tuesday. Sources indicate that the report was presented in a sealed cover during an in-camera session without the presence of lawyers.

This report is expected to provide details about the current status of the probe, which was directed by the High Court. The court had instructed the SIT to file a progress report within two weeks and to conclude the investigation in six weeks. The SIT was formed following a plea related to missing gold-plated items from the temple.

Initially, the missing gold was linked to repairs conducted on the Dwarapalaka idols. A subsequent report pointed to negligence by Devaswom officials, leading to the SIT registering two cases. Among those accused is Unnikrishnan Potty, who was responsible for the electroplating in 2019 and has since been arrested.

(With inputs from agencies.)