Sabarimala gold theft: Kalpesh and Nagesh taken into custody, Murari Babu to be arrested soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are reports that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken into custody Kalpesh, a Bengaluru native and close associate of Unnikrishnan Potty, in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The team has also detained Nagesh, the owner of a Hyderabad-based gold works establishment where the gold was processed. According to statements given by the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, Kalpesh is the main mastermind behind the operation.

Former Sabarimala Administrative Officer Murari Babu is also under surveillance and will soon be taken into custody. Officials plan to interrogate him alongside Unnikrishnan Potty, after which both will be taken to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad for evidence collection.

During questioning, Potty revealed details of several financial transactions, leading to a raid at his house in Pulimath. The search, which lasted over eight hours, uncovered important documents, a hard disk, gold, and cash. Evidence against Murari Babu was also reportedly found.

Burnt paper scraps were also discovered near Potty’s house, raising suspicions that he tried to destroy evidence.

Reports suggest that Potty admitted to selling and sharing Sabarimala gold for personal gain. As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT is looking into his financial growth and property acquisitions after 2019 to trace the flow of illegal money.

There are 18 accused in the combined gold plating and gold theft cases. The SIT will submit its report to the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. The Ranni First Class Magistrate Court has already granted police custody of Unnikrishnan Potty after the SIT submitted an arrest report stating that he had misappropriated two kilograms of gold.

Illegal money lending and land deals

Investigations have revealed that Potty loaned out money for high interest, using funds obtained through the Sabarimala gold scam and sponsorships. He also purchased large amounts of land in Kerala and Bengaluru. During the raid, officials seized property documents and promissory notes used as collateral from those who had borrowed money from him. Evidence shows that he had transferred several plots of land into his own name.

According to Devaswom Vigilance, Potty was involved in land transactions worth over Rs 20 crore within three years. It was also found that some properties were registered under the names of his relatives.