Unnikrishnan Potty’s aide sold original panels of Dwarapalaka idols? Theft of 222 sovereigns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team suspects that the original panels of Dwarapalaka idols of Sabarimala may have taken or sold by Nagesh of Hyderabad. The gold sheets taken from Sannidhanam were kept in the establishment of Nagesh, the main assistant of sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, for a long time. It was Nagesh who took them to Chennai for getting it gold plated. It was during this time, a weight loss of four and a half kilos, were found in the sheets.

The preliminary conclusion of the special investigation team is that Unnikrishnan Potty stole more than 200 sovereigns of gold from the Dwarpalaka idols alone. After gold plating in 1999, the panels contained gold of 258 sovereigns. However, only 36 sovereigns are now there and there is a reduction of 222 sovereigns.

Meantime, it is reported that the investigation team may soon take the accused, including Unnikrishnan Potty, into custody. The special investigation team has collected crucial information from Sannidhanam and Bengaluru. The initial phase of the investigation is focusing on finding the stolen gold and finding out where the fake Dwarapalaka idols were made. Vigilance is also suspicious of the continuous offerings, donations of lakhs and sponsorships of Unnikrishnan Potty, who has no income.