Gold theft was carried as per Padmakumar's script; former Devaswom President is mastermind, says SIT

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has stated that former Travancore Devaswom President A Padmakumar is the mastermind behind the Sabarimala gold theft. According to the SIT, Padmakumar is the prime accused in the case. The officials also said that the statements given by the former Devaswom Board Secretary and other officials are also against him.

Unnikrishnan Potty and the other Devaswom Board officials accused in the case acted according to Padmakumar's script. One of the key pieces of evidence is a visual from May 19 showing Padmakumar leaning on the Dwarapala sculptures in the temple. The conspiracy behind the gold theft took place at Padmakumar's residence. The SIT found that he secured significant financial benefits through the theft. The investigation team has also collected details of land deals he had with Unnikrishnan Potty.

The case will now be handled by the Kollam Vigilance Court. Padmakumar is currently at the Crime Branch headquarters. He will soon be taken to the General Hospital for a medical examination, after which he will be presented before the court.