A Padmakumar held a media briefing on Sunday, where he maintained that the board under his leadership had acted lawfully and transparently.
Published Oct 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM
CPM leader A Padmakumar
Synopsis: The SIT filed a case against former TDB members, including CPM leader A Padmakumar, and key officials for missing Sabarimala gold. Unnikrishnan Potti, accused of siphoning gold, is named first accused. Charges include misappropriation, forgery, and criminal breach of trust.
In a major development, the SIT has filed a case in connection with the missing gold from the Sabarimala, naming the former TDB led by CPM leader A Padmakumar among the accused.
All board members who served in 2019 have been listed collectively as the eighth accused.
The case also implicates several key officials, including the then Devaswom commissioner N Vasu, Thiruvabharanam commissioner, executive officer, administrative officer, and an assistant engineer.
According to investigators, Unnikrishnan Potti, who had sponsored the Dwarapalaka idol coverings, allegedly siphoned off gold from them under the guise of electroplating.
He has been named the first accused in the case, while his associate, Kalpesh, has been listed as the second accused.
Reacting to the development, A Padmakumar held a media briefing on Sunday, where he maintained that the board under his leadership had acted lawfully and transparently.
“Let the court decide whether any irregularities took place. I have no concerns about the probe, as we never violated temple customs or legal procedures,” he said, adding that he was ready to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The accused have been charged under Sections 403, 406, 409, 466, 467, and 34 of the IPC for offences including dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal acts committed with common intention.
