KOCHI/BENGALURU: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has uncovered multi-crore land dealings by the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, in Bengaluru. The SIT seized documents related to the purchase of flats and land, indicating massive investments made by Potti, who is the first accused in the high-profile case.
The SIT confirmed that the investigation is focused on tracing the source of the funds used for these transactions, suggesting Potti was not a “small-time fish” as previously thought.
The SIT also raided a Chennai-based firm, Smart Creations, where the gold was allegedly melted and separated from the gold plates originally used in the temple’s Dwarapalaka (gatekeeper) sculptures.
Day-Long Raids Uncover Assets
The raid on Unnikrishnan Potti’s residence in Bengaluru, which began in the morning, continued late into the night. During the search, investigators confiscated jewelry, property documents, and records of various investments. The SIT found that Potti had purchased land and buildings in his own name, as well as in the names of his partner, Ramesh Rao, and Rao’s wife, besides engaging in interest-lending activities. The investigation is currently split into multiple teams to follow various leads.
The SIT successfully recovered 400 grams of gold bars from a jewelry store, Roddam Jewels, in Bellary, Karnataka. This gold is suspected to have been stolen by Potti from the temple sculptures. Following Potti’s confession that he sold the gold to Gowardhan, the owner of Roddam Jewels, the team executed the raid and seizure. Additionally, 176 grams of gold ornaments and property deeds were seized from Potti’s flat in Bengaluru.
The extensive seizures highlight the gravity of the financial malpractices allegedly committed by Potti, raising questions about the scope of the gold theft and the network involved in liquidating the temple’s precious metal.
