In a major breakthrough in the sensational Sabarimala temple gold theft case, Kerala Police have arrested the prime accused, Unnikrishnan, popularly known as 'Potty'. The arrest marks a significant development in the multi-crore scandal that has shaken the famous hill shrine in Pathanamthitta district.
The Elusive Prime Suspect
Unnikrishnan, who had been evading authorities for an extended period, was finally apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) dedicated to the case. The accused, identified as a key player in the elaborate theft operation, was brought before the court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Scale of the Temple Theft
The gold ornaments reported missing from the sacred temple are valued at several crores of rupees, making this one of the most significant temple theft cases in recent Kerala history. The stolen items included precious gold offerings and ceremonial ornaments used in temple rituals.
Investigation Timeline and Challenges
The case came to light when temple authorities discovered discrepancies in the inventory of gold ornaments. What followed was a complex investigation spanning several months, with investigators facing numerous challenges in tracking the movement and disposal of the stolen temple property.
Key Aspects of the Case:
- Multiple suspects involved in the elaborate theft operation
- Sophisticated methods used to remove gold ornaments from temple premises
- Cross-border investigation spanning multiple districts
- Forensic analysis of temple records and security systems
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
With Unnikrishnan's arrest, investigators are now focusing on recovering the stolen gold and identifying other individuals involved in the criminal network. The prosecution is building a strong case based on digital evidence, witness testimonies, and forensic examination of the crime scene.
The Sabarimala temple, which attracts millions of devotees annually, has since strengthened its security protocols and inventory management systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
