Visited Thiruvananthapuram only twice; investigation team unable to find more evidence against D Mani 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team has not been able to get more evidence against D Mani in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft. In yesterday's interrogation, the team was not able to confirm his links with Sabarimala. Mani has stated that he has visited Thiruvananthapuram only twice. He also said that he does not know the expatriate business and the main accused Unnikrishnan Potty. Sreekrishnan, who was questioned yesterday, said that he has no connections with Mani now.

However, the special investigation team has concluded that the Iridium fraud gang is behind Mani. Meantime, the special investigation team will take the three accused arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft in custody today. Unnikrishnan Potty, Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari and gold merchant Govardhan will be taken into custody for a day. The special investigation team had submitted an application to the Kollam Vigilance Court yesterday. The move is to question all three together and collect crucial information.

It has been found that all three are equally involved in the gold theft. Clarification needs to be sought on where the gold stolen was taken. They will also investigate whether they received help from high-ranking government and political leaders. They are also examining whether the accused have any links to the international antiquities’ mafia.