Sabarimala gold theft: Probe reaches Delhi, relatives of senior national leader under scanner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case is now extending to top ranks in Delhi. The probe has reportedly reached two close relatives of a top national political leader who earlier had a strong influence at the administrative level. These individuals are said to be involved in the international antiques business. One of the relatives, based in a southern European country, is reported to run antique businesses at several locations there. Another family member, who is involved in large real estate dealings based in Delhi, had earlier been engaged in the antiques and handicrafts trade.

The investigation is focusing on the links between these individuals and the main accused in the case- Unnikrishnan Potty and Govardhan, a jewellery shop owner from Bellary. It is believed that this development could pave the way for a CBI investigation.

In 2003, one of the persons now under scrutiny had faced a CBI probe following complaints of smuggling antiques. The investigation was ordered by the Delhi High Court based on a public interest petition alleging that idols from temples in Tamil Nadu and other places had been smuggled abroad and were kept in foreign antique shops. The probe, which initially involved Interpol, was later dropped due to political and administrative influence. Investigators had found that the group ran an antique shop named “Ganapati” in a European city. Allegations included smuggling temple idols from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, along with Mughal-era paintings.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) suspects their involvement in the smuggling of the Prabhamandalam of Lord Ayyappa and valuable small idols from the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple. These gold-plated structures were installed during the temple’s reconstruction over a century ago. The prabhamandalam, weighing nearly 100 kilograms, consists of layered gold sheets with carvings of Shiva, mythical figures, the Dashavatara, and zodiac symbols. The SIT believes that seven layers of the prabhamandalam and five engraved layers from the door frame were smuggled after being replaced, with the intention of selling them in the international antiques market for huge sums.

Investigators suspect that after smuggling the original gold plates, replicas made of copper were installed in their place. The High Court had earlier raised doubts over whether the existing plates are original. Scientific tests at the VSSC laboratory are expected to confirm this. The theft of gold from the Ayyappa Prabhamandalam and the removal of temple domes under the pretext of repairs, during which they were taken up to Pampa, were first reported by Kerala Kaumudi.

Key evidence
1. When gold plates taken away for gold-plating were returned, they could not be fixed onto the pedestal, indicating they were new plates and not originals.
2. The gold-plated door of the sanctum was replaced, citing rat infestation. In 2019, a new door was installed with sponsorship from Unnikrishnan Potty.
3. The smuggled gold plates have not yet been recovered. Although 584.203 grams of gold were seized from two locations, it was confirmed that this was not stolen gold.
4. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that gold plates were smuggled abroad for Rs 500 crore. Some reports claim that the gold has reached an Arab country’s Sultan.

The SIT informed the court that those responsible for protecting Devaswom assets were themselves involved in stealing gold from the temple and aiding the robbery.