Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Sabarimala Gold Loot: SIT Suspects More Gold Lost
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the Sabarimala gold loot case believes that more gold was stolen than has been found so far.
They think that gold-clad copper plates from the temple were taken for replating, and some of the gold was kept by the people involved.
The SIT has asked the court to let them question three main suspects: Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, and Govardhan.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has accused the Kerala government of trying to interfere with the investigation by appointing biased officers to the SIT.
He wants the High Court to make sure the investigation is fair.
There is also a political argument happening, with different parties blaming each other for trying to influence the case.
SIT suspects more gold was lost from Sabarimala temple than recovered so far.
42.100 kg of gold-clad copper plates were handed over to prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty for electroplating in 2019.
SIT to interrogate Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, and Govardhan together to gather decisive information.
V.D. Satheesan accuses Kerala government of sabotaging the probe by appointing biased officers to the SIT.
Political row erupts as SIT plans to interrogate UDF convenor Adoor Prakash, with allegations of interference from both sides.
- Who
- Special Investigation Team (SIT), V.D. Satheesan, Adoor Prakash, Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan
- What
- SIT suspects more gold lost in Sabarimala gold loot case; political accusations of sabotage
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Why
- To investigate the gold loot and expose alleged interference in the investigation by the ruling party
- Location
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Accused Party
- Kerala Government (CPI(M))
- Accusation
- Attempt to derail SIT probe
- Investigation Body
- High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Opposition Leader
- V.D. Satheesan
- Key Figures Questioned
- Adoor Prakash, Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan
- Court Involved
- Kollam Vigilance Court
- Gold Lost
- 42.100 kg (suspected more)
- Gold Recovered
- 584.203 grams
- Arrested
- 10 people, including two former TDB presidents
Sources
Sabarimala gold theft case: Bid to sabotage SIT probe, says Cong; seeks HC intervention
Sabarimala gold loot: SIT to interrogate UDF convenor Adoor Prakash
Two CIs with CPM links appointed to sabotage Sabarimala gold loot probe: VD Satheesan
CPI snub to Vijayan over Natesan: ‘LDF should not become Vellappally’
SIT’s big revelation in Sabarimala scandal: Gold missing from more temple artefacts
Political sparring over Sabarimala gold theft probe as CPI-M Minister counters Satheesan; Prakash clarifies
More gold missing, ISRO assistance sought: What SIT probe into Sabarimala temple goldplating scandal revealed
SIT suspects more Sabarimala gold lost than found
Sabarimala gold theft case: CM Vijayan's office rejects 'fabricated story' claim as Oppn targets P. Sasi
Sabarimala gold loot: SIT says loot could be much bigger and graver; Gold from Prabha Mandalam, Shiva and Vyali idols also stolen
SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than recovered so far
On Sabarimala Gold Theft, P Vijayan Raises Questions On Sonia Gandhi Again
Probe Agency Suspects More Gold Lost From Sabarimala Than Recovered So Far
SIT suspects more gold lost from Sabarimala than found
