Sabarimala Gold Theft Scandal: Timeline and SIT Probe

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the devout hearts of millions of Ayyappa bhakthas worldwide, an explosive NDTV investigation has uncovered the shadowy 39-day odyssey of gold-plated door panels stolen from the hallowed Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. What began as a routine restoration project in July 2019 has ballooned into a full-blown scandal, exposing alleged theft of nearly 5 kg of sacred gold, procedural violations, and a tangled network involving politicians, businessmen, priests, and even film stars. As the Kerala High Court steps in with a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) stands accused of gross mismanagement, reigniting debates on the sanctity and security of our ancient Hindu temples.

This story isn't just about missing gold—it's a stark reminder of how greed can infiltrate the very sanctums meant to preserve Sanatana Dharma's eternal flames. For devotees who trek the treacherous 18 steps to seek Lord Ayyappa's blessings, the betrayal cuts deep. As one anonymous priest told NDTV, "Swami Ayyappa's gold isn't mere metal; it's the embodiment of bhakti from generations. To pilfer it is to desecrate the soul of Sabarimala."

The Heist Unraveled: A Timeline of Deception

The saga traces back to July 19, 2019, when two ornate copper door panels—adorned with intricate gold plating featuring the Dwarapalaka (guardian deities) idols and their pedestals—were dismantled from the temple's inner sanctum. Weighing a pristine 42.8 kg, these panels were entrusted to Unnikrishnan Potti, a former temple helper turned self-proclaimed sponsor and businessman, for electroplating restoration at Smart Creations, a Chennai-based firm. Potti had generously offered to fund the ₹2.5 crore project, a gesture that now reeks of ulterior motives.

But here's where the trail turns sinister. Instead of a direct 1,000-km journey to Chennai, the sacred artefacts embarked on an inexplicable 39-day detour across South India, racking up visits to private and public sites under dubious pretexts. Key stops included:

Fast-forward to September 2025: With the panels showing further deterioration (the gold polish fading in just six months, as flagged in a March 2020 TDB memo), the TDB removed them again without court approval. This violation prompted the Kerala High Court to intervene on October 6, 2025, ordering their immediate return and slamming the board for breaching the Devaswom Manual and ignoring the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner.

Key Players in the Shadowy Network

At the epicenter is Unnikrishnan Potti, the enigmatic sponsor whose devotion now appears laced with opportunism. A priest-turned-entrepreneur from Bengaluru, Potti not only sponsored the 2019 and 2025 plating works but also sought TDB permission on December 9, 2019, to use "excess gold" for solemnizing a needy girl's wedding—a request that was politely sidestepped but never audited. NDTV accessed letters revealing Potti's March 2019 receipt of another frame for "repairs," hinting at a pattern of unchecked access. TDB vigilance grilled him on October 5, 2025, but his evasive responses have only fueled suspicions. Potti denies wrongdoing, claiming he received only copper panels and no gold.

Latest Update: Vigilance probe confirms malpractice in temple door frames too—475 gm gold given to Potti without authorization.

Enter celebrity entanglement: Actor Jayaram's home puja has drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning how sacred temple artefacts ended up in a private celebrity setting. The actor maintains innocence, stating, "Those who have wronged Swami Ayyappa will face divine justice." Yet, the optics of Bollywood-meets-bhakti have amplified the scandal's reach. Video footage shows Jayaram at the event.

TDB Leadership Under Fire: Board President P.S. Prasanth and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan face calls for resignation. The board's failure to track the panels, conduct weigh-ins, or inform judicial overseers has been labeled a "cover-up" by opposition voices. As one TDB insider leaked, "Sponsors like Potti were given free rein under the guise of devotion, but where's the accountability?"

A startling Vijay Mallya connection adds intrigue. The fugitive industrialist's 1998 donation—32 kg of gold and 1,900 kg of copper worth ₹18 crore for the sanctum roof and Bengaluru's Jalahalli Ayyappa temple—allegedly "ceased to be gold" by 2019. Pandalam Palace royals, traditional guardians of Lord Ayyappa, demand probes into how Mallya's offerings vanished, questioning sponsors' financial credentials.

Political Firestorm: From Assembly Chaos to Street Protests

The scandal has ignited a pre-election inferno in Kerala. On October 6, 2025, the Kerala Assembly descended into pandemonium as United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs stormed the well of the House, brandishing placards like "Ayyappan's Gold Stolen, Temple Devoured by Looters!" Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan demanded Minister Vasavan's ouster, accusing the LDF government of "temple chori" post-"vote chori." The session was adjourned amid slogan-shouting—for the second consecutive day on October 7.

The BJP, seizing the moment, orchestrated massive protests: Hundreds marched in Kozhikode led by former state president K. Surendran, clashing with barricades and water cannons. On October 8, BJP workers besieged Chief Minister Pinarayi's residence, baying for a CBI probe over the SIT. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar weighed in, calling it "institutionalized looting of Hindu temples." Even Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked, "Something really fishy here—time for transparency." MP Kodikunnil Suresh demands CBI probe, alleging a gang involving TDB officials.

The timing couldn't be worse for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), fresh off a controversial Global Ayyappa Sangamam to woo Hindu voters. Opposition parties decry it as hypocrisy: "They organize devotion summits by day and enable theft by night."

Court Intervention: SIT Probe and Calls for Justice

On October 6, the Kerala High Court, seizing suo motu cognizance, ordered an SIT headed by ADGP H. Venkatesh to conduct a "confidential and leak-proof" investigation. Directives include forensic audits of the gold's provenance, sponsor vetting, and TDB procedural reforms. The court censured the board for "flagrant violations," emphasizing that temple valuables are "public trust, not private playthings." The HC flagged the possibility that original gold was sold and proceeds misappropriated, calling Potti's wedding gold request "deeply disturbing."

Pandalam Palace has amplified demands for a deeper dive, including Mallya's donations and sponsor verifications. Devotee groups like the Ayyappa Seva Samajam echo this, launching #JusticeForSabarimala on social media, trending alongside #TempleTheft and #SaveAyyappaGold. (Trending on X as of October 3, 2025)

A Wake-Up Call for Hindu Temples: Safeguarding Sacred Legacies

This scandal transcends Sabarimala—it's a microcosm of systemic vulnerabilities plaguing Hindu temple administrations across India. From unchecked sponsors to lax oversight, the rot threatens the $100 billion+ in assets held by over 4 million temples. As Hindutone has long advocated, reforms like digitized inventories, mandatory judicial nods for asset movements, and devotee-led audits are imperative. Lord Ayyappa teaches equality and austerity; let this be the catalyst to reclaim that ethos.

Devotees, your voices matter. Share your thoughts in the comments—have you faced similar temple mismanagement? As the SIT delves deeper, Hindutone will track every update. In the words of Swami Ayyappa: Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa. May truth prevail. 🙏

Sources: NDTV Exclusives, The News Minute, India Today, Times of India, Frontline, Kerala High Court filings, The Hindu, Indian Express, and more. All facts verified as of October 10, 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sabarimala gold theft scandal about?

Gold-plated copper door panels with Dwarapalaka idols were removed from the Sabarimala sanctum in July 2019 for restoration. Nearly 5 kg of gold is now alleged to be missing, along with procedural violations by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Why is it called the 39-day mystery?

Instead of going directly to Chennai, about 1,000 km away, the 42.8 kg panels took a 39-day detour across South India with visits to private and public sites. The reason for the detour remains unexplained.

Who is Unnikrishnan Potti?

Potti is a businessman and sponsor who was entrusted with the panels for electroplating at Smart Creations in Chennai. He denies wrongdoing and claims he received only copper panels and no gold.

What did the Kerala High Court order?

On October 6, 2025, the High Court took suo motu cognizance and ordered an SIT headed by ADGP H. Venkatesh to run a confidential investigation. It also censured the board for violating the Devaswom Manual and ordered the panels returned.

Why did the panels become controversial again in September 2025?

The Travancore Devaswom Board removed the panels a second time without court approval, after the gold polish was flagged as fading. The High Court found this breached the Devaswom Manual and ignored the Sabarimala Special Commissioner.

How does this scandal concern Ayyappa devotees abroad?

Ayyappa bhakthas worldwide have been shaken by the allegations. Devotee groups have launched #JusticeForSabarimala online, and overseas devotees can follow the SIT probe and call for transparency in temple asset management.