Sabarimala gold theft: Unnikrishnan Potty had strong influence in Sabarimala even during tenure of my predecessors, says Padmakumar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar has revealed that Unnikrishnan Potty had a strong influence in Sabarimala even during the tenure of his predecessors. His statement is seen as an attempt to shift blame and place the UDF-era board under suspicion. Padmakumar said that the decision to hand over the panels to Potty for gold-plating was not his alone and that other board members were aware of it. With this, former board members K. P. Shankaradas and A. Vijayakumar have also come under scrutiny. Padmakumar has also given statements against the Tantri of 2019.
The SIT has decided to record Tantri’s statement. Padmakumar is the eighth accused in the gold theft case. He has reportedly revealed the names of several influential individuals who were close to Potty. During questioning, Padmakumar repeatedly said he only approved what was placed before him by officials. However, trouble arose when he manually corrected the 30th item in the board meeting agenda note—changing the word “brass” to “copper panels” in his own handwriting—and signed approval for handing the panels to Potty. He did this despite knowing that the door frame panels contained gold. Based on this decision, on March 20, 2019, the Devaswom Secretary issued an order allowing Potty to take the gold-coated panels. The SIT report states that Padmakumar aided Potty and his associates in the gold theft, causing loss to the Devaswom and Sabarimala.
On Monday, the SIT will file a request to take Padmakumar into custody. Shankaradas and Vijayakumar have stated that Padmakumar made the corrections himself and that they were unaware of the change. The SIT is not fully convinced by their statements. Padmakumar maintains it was a collective decision. The SIT is examining board meeting minutes and questioning former administrative officer Rajendran and others to trace Padmakumar’s interventions on behalf of Potti.
Jayaram to be a witness Unnikrishnan Potty had performed rituals using the door frame panels and the Sreekovil door at several places. Actor Jayaram, who participated in one such ritual, will be made a witness in the case. The SIT has sought time to record his statement. They are also examining whether Potty gained financial benefits through these rituals.
Suspected real-estate dealings The SIT is investigating whether Padmakumar and Potty had real-estate transactions between them. Information suggests there were financial dealings and that the two invested in or leased commercial properties in three districts. The SIT has also received information that Potty was involved in real-estate deals worth nearly Rs 30 crore. Documents related to contracts issued during Padmakumar’s tenure as board president are also being collected.
Documents seized from Padmakumar’s home The SIT says that Padmakumar and Potty were very close, with Potty visiting his house regularly. Investigators suspect that planning for the gold theft took place at Padmakumar’s residence. The SIT is also looking into gold-plating work done on items such as the yogadand used by Padmakumar’s son in Sabarimala.