The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Malayalam actor Jayaram for questioning in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. He has been directed to appear at the agency’s Kochi unit office next Tuesday.
The move comes in the wake of the actor’s association and reported financial transactions with Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the case. Earlier, a video had surfaced showing the prime accused conducting a puja at Jayaram’s residence using gold-clad artefacts associated with the Sabarimala shrine. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had earlier questioned the actor in connection with the incident.
The ED will examine whether Unnikrishnan Potti and others derived financial benefits by conducting such pujas at private residences, including the actor’s house. Potti is reportedly said to have convinced people that bringing such sacred objects from Sabarimala into their homes would bring prosperity.
Jayaram had earlier said that he performed a puja at his residence based on Unnikrishnan Potti’s advice that doing so would bring prosperity to the house. He added that he was not aware of Unnikrishnan Potty’s financial dealings or fraud.
Potty, who is currently out on bail, has not yet been questioned by the ED. Following Jayaram’s questioning, Unnikrishnan Potti is likely to be called in by the agency. Earlier, the ED questioned former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu and another former official, S Sreekumar.