Sun Nov 23 14:14:28 UTC 2025: Summary:

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the High Court, is investigating the misappropriation of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple artifacts in India. The investigation focuses on Unnikrishnan Potti, who allegedly chartered gold-plated copper panels from the temple to wealthy worshippers, including actor Jayaram, for private veneration. The panels, originally donated in 1998, were reportedly offered for “free restoration” by Potti in 2019. The SIT is investigating the possibility of the panels being replicated and sold, and the originals replaced with replicas. The probe also includes examining documents related to former TDB president A. Padmakumar, who has been arrested.

News Article:

Sabarimala Temple Artifacts Misappropriation: Investigation Nears Accountability

NEW DELHI, November 23, 2025 – A High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is making significant progress in its probe into the alleged misappropriation of artifacts from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala, India. The investigation is centered around claims that gold-plated copper panels from the temple were chartered to wealthy individuals for private veneration, potentially involving illicit financial gain.

At the heart of the investigation is Unnikrishnan Potti, who allegedly offered to restore the panels, originally donated in 1998, for free in 2019. Subsequently, videos surfaced showing Potti offering puja to the gilded panels at the private residences of high-profile figures, including actor Jayaram.

The SIT is also investigating the possibility that the original panels were replaced with replicas after “restoration,” with the original pieces allegedly being sold to wealthy collectors.

The investigation has already led to the arrest of six individuals, including former Devaswom Commissioner, N. Vasu, and has widened to include the examination of documents belonging to A. Padmakumar, the former TDB president, who was arrested last week.

“The High Court has frowned on the use of the TDB-owned artefacts…for personal gratification, and that such misuse entailed substantial legal jeopardy”, said officials.

While the High Court has restricted the public disclosure of information regarding the case, the SIT officials stated that those connected with the offense will be questioned to determine their involvement, which could lead to naming them as witnesses or enablers with the court’s concurrence. The case is still ongoing.

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