Looted gold was distributed among various individuals, top officials likely to be arrested soon; Potty in police custody for 14 days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All those involved in the massive gold theft from the Dwarapalaka sculptures and the doors of the Sabarimala Sreekovil will soon be behind bars. The first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, told the investigation team that the stolen gold was distributed among certain officials. The Crime Branch will soon question top Devaswom officials as well.

Action will also follow in the second case related to the theft of gold sheets from the door frame structure. The Travancore Devaswom Board governing body itself is listed as the eighth accused in that case. Potty has not been arrested in that case yet.

Potty, who was arrested early yesterday at around 2:45 am, was produced before the Ranni First Class Magistrate Court by 10 am. He was sent to police custody for 14 days and is currently being questioned at the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram.

“Those who trapped me will soon come out before the law,” Potty told the media.

According to the investigation, the gold theft happened with the knowledge and consent of top Devaswom officials. There is evidence to prove this. Fake documents were created to hand over the gold sheets to Potty, which is one of the serious crimes uncovered.

It is indicated that Potty’s associate Kalpesh, who received 474.9 grams of leftover gold from Smart Creations in Chennai after the plating work, has been served a notice to appear for questioning. Kalpesh is believed to have played a role in transporting the gold sheets to Bengaluru and later to Chennai. Administrative Officer Murari Babu, who allegedly forged documents claiming the material was copper, is also expected to be arrested soon. In total, nine officials have been named as accused. Potty will be taken to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to collect further evidence.

According to the remand report, the former Devaswom Secretary (the fourth accused) issued the order to hand over the copper plates from the Dwarapalaka sculptures to Potty. However, there are allegations that this was part of a cover-up to protect the Devaswom Board President and members.

Smart Creations also involved in conspiracy

• The investigation team is also examining the role of Smart Creations, a firm in Ambattur, Chennai, which separated the gold from the Dwarapalaka sculptures. Investigators believe the company was part of the larger conspiracy.
• Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari reportedly has links with Nagesh, one of Potty’s sponsors. Nagesh will also be questioned. After the investigation began, Potty visited Chennai and met Bhandari.
• It was soon after this meeting that Potty appeared before the Devaswom Vigilance and gave his statement. Investigators are also looking into the claim that an expert from Maharashtra was brought in to separate the gold, which was later handed over to Potty.