Thiruvananthapuram: The investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist has entered a new phase. A district judge who served as the Sabarimala Special Commissioner from 2016 until June 2024 is now under the scrutiny of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). According to the SIT’s preliminary assessment, there was serious dereliction of duty during the gold theft that took place in 2019.
Lapses in Supervision
The Special Commissioner is an official vested with extensive powers to oversee the day-to-day affairs of Sabarimala, including scrutiny of Travancore Devaswom Board decisions and records.
Failure to discharge duty: Despite having a legal responsibility to safeguard Devaswom assets, the official failed to prevent the gold smuggling that occurred in 2019.
Maintained silence: The SIT report states that it is suspicious that the High Court was not informed when gold plating from the Dwarapalaka idols and parts of the sanctum sanctorum’s Prabhamandalam were removed and taken away without following prescribed procedures.
How the Theft Took Place (2019)
As per the report submitted by the SIT to the court, the theft occurred on July 19 and 20, 2019. The Dwarapalaka idols, pillar plates, zodiac symbols inside the sanctum sanctorum, and Dashavatara gold plates were transported to “Smart Creations” in Chennai without any escort from security personnel or police. No proper mahazar (seizure documentation) was prepared during this process.
New Commissioner Who Exposed the Truth
It was R. Jayakrishnan, who assumed charge as Special Commissioner in June 2024, who brought to the High Court’s attention in 2025 the removal of the gold plates. This revelation exposed the large-scale theft that had been going on for years. The SIT has decided to question the former commissioner—currently serving as a district judge in central Kerala—after obtaining permission from the High Court.
Other Details in the Case
The main accused in the case—Unnikrishnan Potti, Pankaj Bhandari, and Govardhan—are being questioned after being taken into custody.
The SIT has sought the assistance of scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) for scientific analysis to determine the qua
ntity of gold involved.
So far, 10 people, including former Devaswom Board members, have been arrested.
