Overview
- The Special Investigation Team submitted an interim progress report in a sealed cover during in-camera proceedings, and the High Court also opened a new suo motu case to preserve confidentiality.
- The bench directed investigators to examine a wider plot, assess the role of Travancore Devaswom Board officials, and scrutinize whether a 2025 handover was used to mask a 2019 pilferage, as recorded in the court’s observations.
- The SIT has registered two FIRs naming 10 accused, arrested sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti, and told the court that more arrests are likely as the probe expands.
- Investigators seized gold, cash, and documents from Potti’s residence, questioned associate Anantha Subramaniam, and are pursuing evidence across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Sabarimala and related locations.
- Preliminary findings cite a drop from 42.8 kg to 38.2 kg in the Dwarapalaka plates’ weight, indicating a planned theft of roughly 4.5 kg, with the case next due for review in mid-November under continued judicial oversight.