Thiruvananthapuram, 31 Dec (H.S.):The investigation into the Sabarimala gold smuggling case has taken a crucial turn, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) suspecting a wider conspiracy behind the crime.
Dindigul native D. Mani, who was questioned in connection with the case, has told investigators that he has no involvement in the smuggling operation and that he does not know Unnikrishnan Potti or the expatriate businessman linked to the case. However, the SIT has found several inconsistencies in his statements.
Investigators believe that Mani may be linked to a larger iridium scam network. His close associate, Sreekrishna of Virudhunagar, is a known accused in an iridium fraud case and had previously served a jail term in Tamil Nadu.
The SIT has also gathered information suggesting that several prominent individuals from Kerala and Tamil Nadu may have fallen victim to this alleged fraud network.
According to the investigation team, Mani’s statements are riddled with contradictions, raising strong suspicions that crucial facts are being deliberately concealed. As a result, the SIT has decided to conduct a detailed probe into Mani’s financial dealings over the past ten years, including scrutiny of his bank accounts, property transactions, and business links.
Investigators have confirmed that Mani had visited Thiruvananthapuram on at least two occasions. The purpose of these visits and the individuals he met during those trips are now under close examination.
Technical evidence, including call data records and digital footprints, is also being analysed to establish links between the accused persons.
Meanwhile, the SIT plans to intensify questioning of the three arrested accused in the case — Unnikrishnan Potti, Smart Creations owner Pankaj Bhandari, and jewellery businessman Govardhan.
The investigators intend to question all three together to reconstruct the sequence of events and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
According to the SIT, preliminary findings indicate that all three accused played coordinated roles in the gold smuggling operation. With multiple leads emerging, the investigation is now expanding to uncover the larger network believed to be operating behind the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
