Temple Insiders Planned Gold Theft From Sabarimala Artefacts, Says SIT

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 23:40 IST

The report stated that gold was detached from copper plates used in the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and other artefacts during the electroplating process.

Sabrimala Temple

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala missing gold case has told a Vigilance Court that two men played a key role in a conspiracy to steal gold from temple artefacts during repair work carried out in 2019.

In a remand report submitted to the Vigilance Court in Kollam on December 19, the SIT said Pankaj Bhandari of Smart Creations and Ballari-based jeweller Govardhan Roddam were central to the plot. Both men were arrested on Friday as part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the SIT, custodial interrogation revealed that Bhandari and Roddam, along with the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, had planned the theft in advance. The gold was entrusted to them for electroplating work on temple artefacts, but instead of safeguarding it, they allegedly removed part of it.

The report stated that gold was detached from copper plates used in the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and other artefacts during the electroplating process. The SIT said the accused were fully aware that the gold belonged to the Sabarimala temple.

Investigators pointed out that those involved were individuals trusted with the responsibility of protecting the temple’s valuables. Instead, they allegedly misused their position and diverted the gold for their own benefit.

The SIT also highlighted Bhandari’s close association with the Sabarimala temple. It said he had been involved in sponsorship-related activities linked to the shrine before 2019 and had visited Sabarimala several times.

He was also aware of gold offerings made to the temple by the UB Group.

Further, the report noted that Bhandari had direct connections with the Travancore Devaswom Board and some of its officials, giving him detailed knowledge of temple procedures and valuables.

Despite being aware of the religious and financial importance of the gold, the SIT said Bhandari and Roddam went ahead with the theft along with the other accused, committing a serious breach of trust.

The investigation is continuing, and the SIT is expected to question more people linked to the handling and supervision of temple artefacts.

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