The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is thoroughly investigating the alleged gold loss from the revered Sabarimala temple, is poised to submit its initial progress report to the Kerala High Court very soon. Police sources indicate this report is expected on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The esteemed division bench, comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar, is scheduled to hear the case again on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Sources close to the investigation have revealed that the SIT intends to present their report on the same day. This comprehensive report will detail the current status of the ongoing probe, including the significant arrest of Bengaluru-based Unnikrishnan Potti, who sponsored the electroplating of gold-clad copper plates on the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames back in 2019.
Furthermore, officials state that the report will provide insights into the extensive investigation conducted in Chennai, the city where these gold-plated copper plates underwent the electroplating process.
When the High Court handed over the case to the SIT, it specifically instructed the team to deliver a progress report within a two-week timeframe and set a six-week deadline for the entire investigation to be completed.
The SIT has formally registered two separate cases concerning the disappearance of gold from the plates of Dwarapalaka idols and the Sreekovil door frames. A total of ten individuals have been named as accused in these cases, including Mr. Potti and several officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The SIT is anticipated to interrogate the remaining accused parties shortly.
In a related development, the amicus curiae, retired High Court judge Justice KT Sankaran, who was appointed to create a detailed inventory of all valuables, including gold, at the sacred hill shrine, is also expected to submit a preliminary report during Tuesday’s hearing. Justice Sankaran personally visited Sabarimala last week to meticulously examine the strong rooms.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, Sunny Joseph, has voiced strong accusations, claiming that the government is actively shielding the accused individuals involved in the Sabarimala case. He stated, “Even though the court mandated the SIT probe on October 6, the arrest was only carried out on October 16. While Congress workers are apprehended within mere hours in other instances, those implicated in the theft of gold worth crores of rupees from Sabarimala are seemingly free to roam. The government’s actions suggest intentional protection of these individuals.”