Published Jan 30, 2026 | 2:39 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2026 | 2:39 PM
Gold-plated sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala.
Synopsis: He maintained that he had no personal connection with Smart Creations or the sponsors. However, the SIT found inconsistencies in his version, as it later emerged that the pooja at Smart Creations was held in June 2019 while the ritual at his residence took place in September 2019, even though Jayaram had earlier claimed that both were conducted on the same day.
Actor Jayaram’s statement was recorded by the SIT at his Chennai residence, on Friday, 30 January, in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case.
The SIT questioned him because of contradictions in his earlier explanations about the poojas related to the gold-plated temple doors. Jayaram told the investigators that he did not know what finally happened to the gold panels.
He said he was closely associated with Unnikrishnan Potty, whom he believed was an important person linked to Sabarimala, and that they met during the Makaravilakku season, after which Potty visited him several times in Chennai.
Jayaram further said a pooja was conducted at his house when the Dwarapalaka panels were brought there, and that he also attended a pooja at Smart Creations, the company involved in gold plating, on Potty’s invitation.
He maintained that he had no personal connection with Smart Creations or the sponsors.
However, the SIT found inconsistencies in his version, as it later emerged that the pooja at Smart Creations was held in June 2019 while the ritual at his residence took place in September 2019, even though Jayaram had earlier claimed that both were conducted on the same day.
Meanwhile, ED also widened its investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the Sabarimala temple.
While the probe initially drew attention for suspected gold-related looting, the ED clarified that its focus goes far beyond that.
According to the agency, serious irregularities have been detected in the handling of donations received at Sabarimala, as well as in the utilisation of funds by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Based on these findings, the ED has decided to carry out an in-depth investigation into temple finances.
This would bring all financial transactions of previous Devaswom Board administrations under scrutiny.
The agency also plans to examine past sponsorships and offerings associated with Sabarimala, potentially expanding the scope of the probe considerably.
The ED said it believes irregularities have been occurring for years under the guise of offerings, rituals, donations and sponsorships.
The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and the agency claimed it aims to uncover the full scale of alleged money laundering using the temple ecosystem.
