Tue Oct 14 08:54:16 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summary of the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and in a formal journalistic style, along with a brief description of the source publication:
**Summary:**
A special investigation team (SIT) in Kerala is expanding its investigation into the alleged misappropriation and potential replication of gold-plated religious artifacts from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in 2019. The investigation now extends to Hyderabad, Telangana, based on preliminary evidence suggesting the artifacts were temporarily housed at the residence of a wealthy devotee. Suspicion surrounds a private contractor, Unnikrishnan Potty, tasked with restoring the gold plating, and a significant delay in the artifacts’ arrival at a Chennai gold-plating factory. The SIT is also examining social media evidence indicating the objects may have been displayed for private worship at homes in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Additionally, the investigation is scrutinizing Sabarimala temple records for potential criminal intent behind the misclassification of the artifacts and is reviewing Potty’s background. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), responsible for the temple’s administration, is cooperating with the investigation and has indicated it will request the High Court to extend the probe to cover temple affairs since 1998, including previous administrations.
**News Article:**
**Sabarimala Temple Artifact Probe Widens to Hyderabad, Raising Concerns Over Misappropriation**
**Thiruvananthapuram, October 14, 2025:** The Kerala Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation and potential replication of gold-plated religious artifacts from the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has expanded its investigation to Hyderabad, Telangana. This development follows the discovery of preliminary evidence suggesting that the artifacts may have been temporarily stored at the residence of a prominent Ayyappa devotee in the city.
The investigation centers on the restoration of gold-inlaid copper overlays that covered the stone carvings and sculptures of the temple. Concerns have been raised regarding the actions of Unnikrishnan Potty, a private contractor and former temple assistant, who was entrusted with the restoration work in 2019. A 39-day delay in the arrival of the artifacts at the designated gold-plating factory in Chennai has fueled suspicions of potential duplication and the sale of the original artifacts for private worship.
Investigators are meticulously tracing the itinerary of the artifacts, and have reportedly uncovered social media evidence, including photos and videos, indicating that the objects may have been displayed at the homes of wealthy devotees in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The SIT is also examining temple records to ascertain if there was “criminal intent” behind TDB administrators “misleadingly categorising” the gold-plated coverings as made of pure copper. The probe extends to scrutinizing Unnikrishnan Potty’s background and his rise within the Sabarimala Temple hierarchy.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is cooperating with the investigation. TDB President P.S. Prasanth announced that the board would petition the High Court to extend the probe to cover temple affairs since 1998, a period marked by significant donations of gold and copper to the temple. The TDB is also considering action against nine officials indicted by the SIT, including suspension of serving officials and potential repercussions for those who have retired, contingent on the court’s findings.
The TDB will request a probe into temple transactions since 1999, encompassing the tenures of United Democratic Front (UDF)-appointed TDB presidents and Devaswom Commissioners.
The unfolding investigation has raised serious questions about the management and oversight of the Sabarimala temple’s precious artifacts and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in religious institutions. The probe’s outcome is keenly anticipated by devotees and the public alike.
**Source:**
The Hindu is a prominent Indian English-language daily newspaper known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news, politics, business, culture, and current affairs. It is widely respected for its journalistic integrity and in-depth analysis.
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