Sabarimala Gold Theft: Insiders Plotted Artefact Heist, SIT Reveals

• SIT informed Vigilance Court about a conspiracy to steal gold from Sabarimala artefacts during 2019 repair work.
• Pankaj Bhandari (Smart Creations) and Govardhan Roddam (Ballari jeweller) arrested as key plotters.
• Custodial interrogation revealed they planned the theft with Unnikrishnan Potty, removing gold during electroplating.
• Bhandari had close ties to Sabarimala, knew about temple valuables, and connections with Travancore Devaswom Board.
• Accused misused trust, diverting temple gold for personal gain, a serious breach of faith.

Why It Matters: SIT uncovers insider plot to steal gold from Sabarimala artefacts, leading to key arrests.