PATHANAMTHITTA, Oct 24: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday night arrested former Sabarimala Administrative Officer Murari Babu in connection with the alleged gold misappropriation case at the temple. Following several hours of questioning, Babu’s arrest was formally recorded on Thursday. He will be presented either physically or virtually before the Ranni Court in Pathanamthitta.
Babu was taken into custody from his residence in Kottayam district around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. He served as the Administrative Officer at Sabarimala in 2019, when the alleged replacement of gold plated Dwarapalaka plates and wooden frames with copper plating reportedly began. Investigators allege that Babu also oversaw forging of records under his supervision.
Former Travancore Devasom Board member Ajay Tharayil criticized the arrest, urging the SIT to pursue higher authorities involved in the conspiracy, stating that action against Babu alone is insufficient.
Babu is named in two FIRs, alongside prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, whose custody has been extended by the local court until October 30. The SIT continues to record statements from temple staff and security personnel who were on duty when the gold panels were removed.
Officials said the SIT will also collect evidence from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai as part of the ongoing investigation, which traces the alleged conspiracy from 2019 to 2024.
Babu has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming that the copper plating mentioned in official records was based on instructions from the Tantri (chief priest) and that final approvals came from higher authorities.