Sabarimala Gold Robbery Case: Prime Accused Unnikrishnan Potti Released on Statutory Bail, ED Action Likely
Kollam: Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the sensational Sabarimala gold robbery case, has been released from prison after securing bail in both cases registered against him. Potti was granted statutory (default) bail in the Kattilappali case on Tuesday, following a similar relief earlier in the Dwarapalaka Pali case, as the investigating agency failed to file the charge sheet within the mandatory 90-day period.
The court granted default bail in accordance with legal provisions, noting that the prolonged remand without submission of the charge sheet entitled the accused to statutory relief. With this order, Unnikrishnan Potti walked out of jail after spending nearly three months in custody.
However, despite his release from the police cases, Potti’s legal troubles are far from over. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to initiate action against him in connection with the alleged financial irregularities linked to the case. According to sources, the ED is considering either arresting Potti immediately upon his release or issuing a summons to question him as part of its ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Earlier, Murari Babu, another accused who had secured statutory bail in the case, was questioned in detail by the ED.
Meanwhile, developments in the case suggest that more accused may secure similar relief in the coming days. Former Devaswom Commissioner N. Vasu and Travancore Devaswom Board President Padmakumar are also expected to walk out of jail within the next two weeks. As their remand period is nearing the completion of three months, they too are likely to become eligible for statutory bail if the charge sheet is not filed within the stipulated time.
The Sabarimala gold robbery case has attracted widespread attention across Kerala, given its alleged links to temple administration and financial dealings. With the ED intensifying its investigation and more accused likely to be released on default bail, the case is expected to enter a new phase in the days ahead.
