**Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation Uncovers More Stolen Treasures**
In a significant development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Sabarimala gold theft case has submitted a custody application to the Kollam Vigilance Court, revealing that the amount of gold misappropriated from the temple may be greater than previously estimated. The SIT’s findings indicate that, in addition to the previously reported theft of Dwarapalaka idols and a door frame, seven gold-clad copper plates were also taken in a similar fashion.
The custody application seeks further interrogation of the main suspects: Unnikrishnan Potty, the ninth accused Pankaj Bhandari, and the tenth accused Govardhan. The SIT alleges that the gold was extracted using a chemical mixture at Smart Creations, a Chennai-based company owned by Bhandari, and is currently in the possession of both Bhandari and Govardhan.
According to the SIT’s petition, a total of 42.1 kg of gold-clad copper plates was entrusted to Potty in 2019 for electroplating at Smart Creations. Following the plating process, the remaining gold was reportedly siphoned off by the accused. The investigation claims that gold-clad copper plates, including those from the Dwarapalaka idols, were removed during the replating process. This method was also applied to plates from two nearby pillars and seven plates from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).
The SIT informed the court that Bhandari has confessed to taking approximately 109.243 grams of gold as payment for the replating services. In October, he presented this amount to the SIT, asserting it was equivalent to his fees from 2019. The SIT further contends that the gold recovered during the plating process was handed over to Govardhan.
Interestingly, just a day before Bhandari’s appearance with the gold, Govardhan had already submitted 474.960 grams of gold to the investigation team, claiming it represented the quantity he received from Potty after the electroplating was completed.
As the investigation unfolds, the SIT continues to delve deeper into the case, aiming to uncover the full extent of the theft and bring those responsible to justice.
**FAQ**
*What is the Sabarimala gold theft case about?*
The Sabarimala gold theft case involves the alleged misappropriation of gold and gold-clad items from the Sabarimala temple, with investigations revealing that more items may have been stolen than initially reported.
