Jayaram Appears Before ED in Gold Case

Malayalam actor Jayaram appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday for questioning in connection with the alleged misappropriation of gold linked to Sabarimala Temple.

The actor was seen arriving at the ED office and briefly addressed reporters, stating that authorities should identify and act against everyone involved in the matter. He said he had attended temple-related rituals over the years and had been invited multiple times for pujas connected to Sabarimala artefacts. According to him, investigative agencies and the court are examining whether any irregularities occurred.

The case pertains to alleged gold pilferage from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the sanctum sanctorum door frames of the temple. Last month, Jayaram was questioned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the allegations.

The probe centres around Unnikrishnan Potty, a priest-turned-businessman and the first accused in the case, who is currently out on bail. He is accused of misappropriating gold from the temple’s sanctum door frames and gold-plated sheets covering the guardian idols in 2019 under the pretext of re-plating them.

The ED is examining whether any financial transactions took place between Jayaram and the accused in the name of rituals associated with the temple’s gold assets. Investigators are also looking into allegations that several individuals, including public figures, were told that conducting prayers in the presence of Sabarimala artefacts would bring good fortune.

The Kochi unit of the ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and has approached a special court in Kollam seeking related documents from the SIT. The investigation is ongoing.