Sabarimala Gold Theft: SIT Reveals More Looted Gold, New Accused Emerge

• SIT informs Kerala court that more gold was stolen from Sabarimala Temple than initially reported.
• Seven additional gold-clad copper plates, including a Shiva idol and Dasharadha plates, were looted.
• Gold was chemically extracted at Smart Creations, Chennai, owned by 9th accused Pankaj Bhandari, and is with him and Govardhan Roddam of Roddam Jewellers, Karnataka.
• SIT seeks custody of prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, and Govardhan for further questioning.
• Former Sabarimala Executive Committee President A. Padmakumar was also taken into custody earlier in connection with the case.

Why It Matters: Sabarimala gold theft probe deepens with SIT uncovering more stolen gold and new accused.