ED Issues Summons to Key Accused in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Following Bail Grant
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken swift action by summoning Unnikrishnan Potti, the primary accused in the high-profile Sabarimala temple gold theft case. This development occurred on Friday, merely one day after Potti, along with three other individuals, was granted statutory bail by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Details of the Gold Theft Allegations
Unnikrishnan Potti faces serious accusations of misappropriating gold from various sacred structures within the Sabarimala temple complex. The alleged thefts reportedly involved gold from the Dwarapalaka idols, the sanctum sanctorum, pillars, and door frames of the renowned pilgrimage site. Potti was initially arrested in November of last year and spent over three months in judicial custody before the recent bail decision.
Background and Previous Investigations
Potti served as a ‘parikarmi’ (assistant) to the keezhsanthi (assistant to the chief priest) at Sabarimala from 2004 to 2008. His activities came under scrutiny in 2014 when the devaswom vigilance department began investigating suspicious dealings conducted at Sannidhanam without proper coupons. Although he was instructed to leave Sannidhanam at that time, he managed to return within a couple of years, raising further questions about temple security protocols.
The Enforcement Directorate has previously questioned other individuals connected to the case, including former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officers S Sreekumar and Murari Babu. These interrogations are part of a broader probe into the financial and administrative irregularities surrounding the temple's assets.
Court's Bail Order and Legal Implications
The statutory bail granted on Thursday was a direct result of the Crime Branch's failure to submit the final investigation report within the legally prescribed timeframe. In its detailed order, the court emphasized that the right to default bail under Section 167(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code is absolute and cannot be denied based solely on the severity of the alleged offense. This legal principle underscores the importance of procedural timelines in the Indian judicial system, even in cases involving significant public interest and religious sentiments.
The case continues to attract widespread attention due to its implications for temple security, administrative accountability, and the enforcement of financial regulations in religious institutions. The ED's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged misappropriation and hold all responsible parties accountable under the law.
