THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has found that Unnikrishnan Potty (52) stole two kilograms of gold - about 250 sovereigns - from the Sabarimala Sreekovil. The value of one sovereign (8 grams) of 24-carat gold is Rs 1,02,232, which means the total worth comes to about Rs 2.56 crore. Since this gold was used for the sanctum sanctorum, its “divine value” is considered several times higher.

There is also suspicion that gold sheets cut from the Sreekovil were sold to wealthy devotees. The two kilograms of gold were taken from the Dwarapalaka sculptures and the pillars on the northern and southern sides of the shrine.

According to the report submitted to the court, Unnikrishnan Potty, with the support of Devaswom Board members and officials who were responsible for pro

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