Archive · 26 Oct 2025
SIT Questions Smart Creation CEO in Sabarimala Gold Case
The police are investigating missing gold from the Sabarimala temple.
They're looking into how gold plating on statues disappeared.
A company in Chennai, Smart Creation, is involved because they did the gold plating.
The police are questioning the CEO.
The prime suspect, Unnikrishnan Potti, is in custody.
A former officer, Murari Babu, is also arrested.
He's accused of lying about the gold.
The investigation began after missing panels were found, and is seeking to understand what happened to the temple's gold.
SIT questioned Smart Creation's CEO in Chennai regarding the Sabarimala gold case.
Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime suspect, was brought to Chennai for evidence collection.
Murari Babu, a former Executive Officer, was remanded for 14 days.
Babu is accused of falsifying documents related to the gold.
The investigation focuses on the 2019 theft of gold-plated panels.
- Who
- SIT, Unnikrishnan Potti, Murari Babu, Pankaj Bhandari
- What
- Investigation into the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple, specifically concerning the Dwarapalaka idols' coverings and related documentation.
- When
- Ongoing, with recent questioning and arrests.
- Where
- Sabarimala Temple, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ranni
- Why
- To investigate the disappearance of gold from the Sabarimala temple and hold responsible parties accountable.
- Focus
- Investigation into alleged gold theft from Sabarimala temple
- Key Individuals
- Unnikrishnan Potti, Murari Babu, Pankaj Bhandari
- Companies Involved
- Smart Creation
- Key Action
- CEO of Smart Creation questioned by SIT
- Location of Questioning
- Chennai
- Murari Babu Status
- Former Executive Officer, arrested and remanded
Sources
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT conducts searches in Ballari, Bengaluru
Sabarimala gold loss revealed due to us: TDB president claims
SIT Raids Bengaluru, Ballari in Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe
Gold Sold To Jeweller Recovered In Sabarimala Temple Theft Case
Sabarimala heist: SIT recovers part of gold sold to jewellery dealer
Sabrimala Gold Theft: SIT Questions Priest & Jewellery Maker In Karnataka
Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT conducts searches in Ballari, Bengaluru
Justice K T Sankaran examines Sabarimala temple’s main strongroom to prepare inventory of valuables
Sabarimala ‘missing gold’ case gathers steam: Raids at Chennai firm, Bengaluru flat, Bellary jewellery store
