The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala temple gold looting case has recorded the statement of Tantri Mahesh Mohanararu.
Mohanararu’s statement was recorded a few weeks ago as part of the investigation into the alleged permission granted to prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty in 2019 to remove the gold-clad plates from the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil.
The SIT sought clarity from the Tantri regarding the permission said to have been granted in 2025 to hand over the Dwarapalaka panels to Unnikrishnan Potty. He has reportedly stated that the permission was given based on directions from the Devaswom Board.
Mahesh Mohanararu has also provided clarification on conducting poojas at Govardhan’s jewellery shop in Bellary. He reportedly said that he attends poojas whenever invited, and this visit too was on such an invitation.
When asked about his relationship with Govardhan, Mohanararu said that Govardhan was a regular visitor to Sabarimala and that he was therefore familiar with him.
Meanwhile, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K. S. Baiju has been remanded again in the Sabarimala gold robbery case. He has been sent to 14 days’ judicial custody after the Kollam Vigilance Court rejected his bail application.