Sabarimala gold heist case: Prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti sent to judicial custody

Court rejects Potti’s plea citing health concerns, transfers him to Thiruvananthapuram jail

October 31, 2025

Temple gold theft deepens: SIT records new arrests in Sabarimala case

SIT to record arrest in second gold theft case

Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the sensational Sabarimala gold heist case, was sent to judicial custody on Thursday after his police custody period ended.

Potti, who was produced before the Ranni First Class Magistrate Court, claimed that he suffers from epilepsy and cannot endure jail conditions. However, the prosecution argued that jail authorities are equipped to provide all necessary medical care. The court subsequently ordered his transfer to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub Jail.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will formally record Potti’s arrest in a second case linked to the theft of gold lintels from the temple door on Friday. He will be produced before the Ranni court again on Monday as investigators seek extended custody.

Another accused, Murari Babu, was also produced in court and sent to judicial custody. Earlier this week, the SIT had questioned both Potti and Babu together to uncover possible financial transactions and a wider conspiracy behind the temple theft.

Investigators also took both accused to Sabarimala for evidence collection, while gold recovered from Bellary was presented in court as part of the ongoing probe.

The case has taken a political turn, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging that Kerala Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan has links to the theft.

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