Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: ED Summons Actor Jayaram; to Appear Next Tuesday

Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor Jayaram in connection with the money-laundering investigation linked to the Sabarimala gold theft case. He has been directed to appear before the ED office in Kochi on Tuesday, February 17.

The central agency is seeking clarification regarding financial transactions between Jayaram and the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had questioned the actor at his residence in Chennai, following which the ED decided to conduct a separate inquiry.

Jayaram faced a major setback after photographs emerged showing gold pieces meant to be placed on the Dwarapalaka sculptures at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam being taken to his Chennai residence and used for a puja.

The actor has maintained that he is a devout Ayyappa devotee and participated in the puja purely as an act of faith.

He told investigators that he was unaware of Unnikrishnan Potti’s alleged fraudulent activities and said he knew him only as an Ayyappa devotee. Jayaram also stated that he does not know the source of the gold pieces or what happened to them later.

The ED is now probing whether Jayaram had any role in financial dealings linked to the gold theft. Earlier, the police had considered naming him only as a witness in the case.

However, the ED, which is also investigating black money transactions related to the gold theft, has taken serious note of the long-standing association between Jayaram and Unnikrishnan Potti, prompting a deeper investigation.