The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday began questioning Unnikrishnan Potti, the main accused in the Sabarimala gold-plating scandal, even as his family leveled allegations of wrongful detention.
Official sources said Mr. Potti, a Bengaluru-based businessman, was taken into custody from his Pulimath residence on Thursday morning and later taken to an undisclosed location for questioning. He is likely to be arrested and brought before a judge by Friday.
During the preliminary investigation, the SIT obtained documents from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) regarding the handover of gilded copper plates of Dwarapalaka idols and door frames for gilding in 2019. The investigators also collected information from Smart Creations, Chennai, the firm that did the gilding sponsored by Mr.tti, regarding the gilding.
Investigators have also gathered details of Kalpesh, to whom Mr. Potti allegedly handed over the gold, which was said to have been stolen in the guise of goldsmiths’ works.
Based on these findings, the SIT has now started recording the statements of witnesses and accused persons as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, Mr Potti’s family claimed he was being held illegally. “We do not know the reasons for his detention and we have not yet received a copy of the arrest warrant or his current whereabouts. The only thing we know is that he was picked up in the morning,” said Ajith Sasthamangalam, Mr. Potti’s lawyer.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 21:05 IST
