Unnikrishnan Potty used connections with Thantri family to cover up theft, noose to be tightened on devaswom presidents 

PATHANAMTHITTA: The investigation into the gold theft in Sabarimala is being extended to the top officials of the devaswom board. An investigation has been initiated against the devaswom presidents of 2019 to 2025. The special investigation team is examining the involvement of people including the present board president P S Prasanth and 2019 president A Padma Kumar.

The new decision is following the observations of the devaswom bench of the high court. The high court has directed the investigation team to proceed with steps including arrest if the devaswom board presidents are found to be involved in the incident. The court's observation is that the gold theft took place in 2019 and attempts were made to hide this theft in 2025.

The investigation is progressing following the crucial finding that Unnikrishnan Potty arrested is behind the gold theft. The gold found in Bellary, which is believed to have been stolen by Unnikrishnan Potty, has been produced in the court.

Strong evidence is needed to find out whether the top brass of the devaswom board is involved. The investigation team is examining documents including minutes of the devaswom board for this. Recommendations and letters to take the gold were sent to the devaswom board. What decision did the board take when the letters of the arrested former administrator Murari Babu and others came, and whether a favourable stand for Unnikrishnan Potty was taken etc are being examined. Information is also emerging that a notice will be issued soon to question Padma Kumar.

Meantime, it is also reported that Unnikrishnan Potty had already made plans in connection with the gold theft. He used his connections with the Thantri family of Sabarimala to cover up all this. He came to Sabarimala as an assistant to a lower-ranking priest, but later became closer to the Thantri family and appeared before wealthy Ayyappa devotees as someone close to the Thantri. Using this connection, Unnikrishnan Potty established friendships with wealthy devotees in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.