Malayalam actor Jayaram, known for his role in the upcoming film Kantara: Chapter 1, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case. The ED has requested Jayaram to appear at their Kochi office on February 17 for questioning.
The investigation revolves around the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, with the ED focusing on potential money laundering and financial irregularities linked to the case. The probe intensified after a video surfaced showing Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the case, performing a puja at Jayaram's Chennai residence in 2019 using gold-covered ceremonial items believed to belong to the temple.
The ED is examining whether gold associated with the shrine was misused for private ceremonies and if those involved generated illicit income through such activities. Investigators are seeking to determine whether temple resources were exploited for holding private poojas and if any financial transactions occurred behind the scenes. The agency is also analyzing bank accounts, property records, and other financial dealings of the accused, including former Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, to identify and recover any suspected proceeds linked to the case.
Prior to the ED summons, Jayaram had been questioned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the alleged misuse of gold from temple artifacts and his association with Unnikrishnan Potti. The SIT had recorded Jayaram's statement, focusing on the number of times the actor had participated in pujas with Potti and whether there were any financial transactions between them. Following the questioning, the SIT decided to list Jayaram as a witness in the case.
Jayaram has maintained that he knew Potti as a devotee and acquaintance from Chennai, and that the gold plates were brought to his home only for a pooja. He stated that the rituals were conducted purely for spiritual reasons and to bring prosperity to his home, and that he was unaware of any fraudulent activities allegedly carried out by Potti. Jayaram has also denied any monetary exchange with Potty or the contractors involved.
The ED's investigation began in October 2025 after potential money laundering aspects surfaced. The agency registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after receiving permission from the Central government. The ED has so far issued summons to 12 individuals in connection with the case.
Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, is a Bengaluru-based businessman and former temple priest. He is accused of conspiring to steal gold during maintenance activities at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Potti was granted statutory bail after the SIT failed to submit the charge sheet within the stipulated 90-day period.
The Sabarimala gold theft case involves two alleged incidents: the reported removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil doorframes at the Sabarimala temple. The Kerala High Court-appointed SIT has booked all members of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) who served in 2019 for alleged misappropriation of temple gold.