Overview
- The division bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K. V. Jayakumar heard the matter in camera after SP S. Sasidharan filed the report in a sealed cover.
- The SIT has flagged a 4.5 kg reduction in the gold-clad coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols since the 2019 electroplating carried out in Chennai and sponsored by Unnikrishnan Potti.
- A remand report accuses Potti and nine serving or retired Travancore Devaswom Board officials of conspiracy, theft and illegal pecuniary gain causing loss to the temple.
- Investigators questioned Potti associate Anantha Subramaniam and are collecting evidence in Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, while a search of Potti’s residence yielded gold, cash and documents.
- Opposition parties escalated demands for a central agency inquiry, with Congress alleging government protection for the accused and BJP leaders claiming the chief minister had prior knowledge.