Kochi, 23 Dec (H.S.):The investigation into the alleged gold smuggling from Sabarimala has taken a new turn, with investigators examining claims that idols were also trafficked along with gold.

A statement given by a foreign-based businessman—earlier referred to by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala—is now being treated as a key input by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

According to sources, the businessman has told investigators that, in addition to gold, panchaloha (five-metal) idols were illegally taken out of Sabarimala and handed over to an international antiquities trafficking network. The statement claims that four idols were transferred during the 2019–20 period.

The prime accused in the gold smuggling case, Unnikrishnan Potti, allegedly acted as the intermediary in these transactions.

The idols were reportedly purchased by a Chennai-based individual identified as D. Mani. Investigators have been informed that a cash transaction related to the deal took place in Thiruvananthapuram on October 26, 2020.

The businessman’s statement further alleges the involvement of a senior person connected with Sabarimala.

He has claimed that only three individuals—the senior person, Unnikrishnan Potti and D. Mani—were present during the cash exchange in Thiruvananthapuram.

The SIT has decided to focus on verifying the credibility of this statement and examining supporting evidence.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings in the case continue, with bail pleas filed by Govardhan, the tenth accused and a gold trader, scheduled to be considered by the Kerala High Court today.

The petitions will be heard by a vacation single bench headed by Justice S. Muralikrishna.

Govardhan has denied any involvement in the alleged gold smuggling and claimed that the SIT seized gold by intimidation.

He has also accused the Travancore Devaswom Board of irregularities, alleging that the board illegally granted permission to take gold plates out of Sabarimala.

The High Court is expected to seek a detailed response from the SIT on these allegations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman