Sabarimala Gold Heist: Ex-Commissioner Arrested | Manorama Online

Former Commissioner Arrested in Expanding Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation

The investigation into the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala,India,has deepened with the arrest of K.S. Baiju, the former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner. This marks the fourth arrest in the case and identifies Baiju as the seventh defendant.

The unfolding scandal centers around the gold covering of the shrine, with authorities alleging a systematic effort to misappropriate valuable assets. According to reports, Unnikrishnan untied the gold covering in the presence of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and handed it over to a person identified as potti.

Did you know? – The Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. Its traditions and management are closely scrutinized.

Fourth Arrest Signals Escalation of Probe

Baiju, who retired from service in 2019, reportedly signed a document known as a Mahsar, which is a statement recorded by investigators. The document refers to the incident as “Chembupali.” This latest arrest underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations.

So far, Unnikrishnan Potti, former administrative officer Murari Babu, and former executive officer D. Sudheesh Kumar have also been arrested in connection with the case.

Pro tip: – A Mahsar is a crucial investigative tool in Kerala, functioning as a detailed, signed statement from a person involved in a case, often used to establish timelines and facts.

Devaswom Board Under scrutiny

The special investigation team (SIT) is now preparing to question former presidents of the Devaswom Board – the administrative body overseeing the Sabarimala temple – in the coming days. The board itself has been named as the eighth accused, specifically in relation to allegations that gold was removed from the door sill panels of the shrine.

“The investigation is broadening to encompass a wider range of individuals and potential systemic issues,” a senior official stated.

Unnikrishnan is expected to accompany Potti to Sabarimala to gather further evidence. Unnikrishnan Potti was questioned by the investigation team earlier today, and the SIT is seeking court approval to take Murari Babu and Sudheesh Kumar into custody for further interrogation.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to determine the full extent of the alleged gold theft and identify all those involved.

reader question: – What systemic changes could prevent similar incidents of alleged theft or mismanagement at the Sabarimala temple in the future?

Expanded News Report:

Why did this happen? The alleged theft stems from a systematic effort to misappropriate gold from the Sabarimala shrine. Authorities believe the gold covering of the shrine was deliberately removed and potentially stolen, prompting a full investigation.

Who is involved? So far,four individuals have been arrested: K.S. Baiju (former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner), Unnikrishnan Potti, Murari Babu (former administrative officer), and D. Sudheesh Kumar (former executive officer). The Devaswom Board, the administrative body of the temple, has also been named as the eighth accused. The investigation is expanding to include questioning former presidents of the Devaswom Board.

What exactly was stolen? The allegations center around the gold covering of the shrine and gold removed from the door sill panels. the exact quantity and value of the stolen gold are still under investigation.

How did it end (so far)? The investigation is ongoing. K.S. Baiju signed a statement, a Mahsar, detailing the incident referred to as “Chembupali.” Unnikrishnan is expected to accompany Potti back to Sabarimala to gather further evidence