Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold scam has successfully recovered gold allegedly pilfered from the temple. The gold was found at the jewelry store of Goverdhan in Ballari, Karnataka, to whom the accused Unnikrishnan Potti confessed to selling it.
The SIT operation in Ballari yielded several gold bars. Goverdhan, the gold merchant, provided a statement to the SIT claiming that Unnikrishnan Potti handed over 476 grams of gold to him. It remains unclear if the entire quantity has been recovered.
The recovery follows an extensive search operation conducted yesterday across Bengaluru and Ballari. The SIT acted on information that the stolen gold, sold by Potti, was in Goverdhan’s possession.
Charges to Intensify
Both Unnikrishnan Potti and Goverdhan had earlier admitted to the transaction to SP Sasidharan, paving the way for the seizure of the contraband.
With the recovery of the stolen property, the SIT is now set to intensify the charges. Besides conspiracy, charges will now include the theft and sale of public property. Furthermore, those involved in arranging the sale and officials who made the decision to pilfer the gold will be included as accused in the case.
The SIT plans to turn the Ballari merchant, Goverdhan, into a witness in the ongoing investigation.
