The investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case has now reached the doorstep of veteran actor Jayaram.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the actor to appear on February 17 for questioning. While he has not been accused of theft, the agency is reportedly seeking clarity regarding his alleged association with certain religious ceremonies linked to the primary accused.
What Is The Case About?
The gold theft case was initially registered in October 2025 and revolves around alleged irregularities connected to the Sabarimala Temple.
According to reports, temple artefacts — including gold-covered copper plates — were allegedly used during a private religious ceremony in 2019 organised by Unnikrishnan Potty, the main accused in the case.
The ED’s Kochi unit registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last month and has since issued summons to multiple individuals — reportedly around 12 people.
Why Is Jayaram Being Questioned?
Jayaram has not been named as an accused. The probe concerning him is limited to understanding his participation in certain rituals and any possible financial connections with the primary accused.
Earlier, the actor recorded his statement before a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which reportedly questioned him at his Chennai residence. He was asked about his involvement in temple-related ceremonies and how frequently he had participated in such events.
Investigators are said to be examining two main aspects of the broader case:
- Alleged removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka
- Alleged removal from the Sreekovil doorframes at the temple
The SIT has already arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Who Is Jayaram?
Born Jayaram Subramaniam, the actor has had a long and successful career across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. He made his debut with Aparan and went on to feature in several commercially successful films.
He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011 for his contributions to Indian cinema. Recently, he appeared in Mirai and Kantara: Chapter 1, where he played King Rajasekhara.
His summons has drawn attention largely due to his public stature, though officials have clarified that the questioning is procedural at this stage.
Who Is Unnikrishnan Potty?
Unnikrishnan Potty, a Bengaluru-based Malayali businessman and former temple priest, is the primary accused in the case. He is alleged to have conspired to steal gold during temple maintenance works.
The Kollam Vigilance Court granted him statutory bail after the SIT failed to file a charge sheet within the stipulated 90-day period. Reports indicate that the ED may also summon him again as part of the ongoing money laundering probe.
Final Words
At this point, Jayaram’s role appears limited to questioning as a witness rather than as an accused. However, the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case is expanding, and authorities are examining both financial and administrative angles.
As the February 17 appearance approaches, all eyes will be on how the probe unfolds — and whether further names from the cultural or religious circuit surface in the coming days.
For now, the focus remains on fact-finding, not finger-pointing.
