Sabarimala gold row: Potty was arrested after a number of hours of questioning by the SIT crew led by SP Bijoy. He’s scheduled to be introduced in Ranni Court docket tomorrow.
The Particular Investigation Crew (SIT) probing the theft of gold from Kerala’s Sabarimala temple arrested the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, on Friday, officers stated.
Police sources said that Potty, a Bengaluru-based businessman, was taken into custody from his residence in Pulimath on Thursday and interrogated on the Crime Department workplace in Thiruvananthapuram. Following the interrogation, the SIT formally recorded his arrest on Friday.
Potty was then taken to the federal government hospital for a medical examination earlier than being shifted to Pathanamthitta later within the day. He’s anticipated to be produced earlier than a courtroom in Ranni, Pathanamthitta, the place the SIT will search his custody for detailed questioning.
The SIT, constituted following instructions from the Kerala Excessive Court docket, is investigating two instances: the lacking gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the lack of gold from the Sreekovil door frames.
Officers are additionally inspecting the function of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members and officers in handing over gold-clad copper plates from the Dwarapalaka idols and Sreekovil door frames to Potty for electroplating in 2019.
Earlier, the TDB Vigilance Wing had questioned Potty for 2 days and recorded his assertion throughout a preliminary inquiry. The Excessive Court docket has set a six-week deadline for the SIT to finish its investigation.
With PTI inputs
Additionally learn: Sabarimala Temple’s sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti wished to make use of gold for a marriage: Surprising particulars