Kantara Chapter 1 Actor Jayaram Summoned By ED In Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe

Veteran actor Jayaram, best known recently for his role in Kantara: Chapter 1, has found himself in the middle of a serious investigation, though not as an accused. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the actor for questioning in connection with the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case.

According to officials, Jayaram has been asked to appear before the ED on February 17. The agency is examining his association with certain religious ceremonies linked to the case and any possible financial connections with the main accused. Importantly, investigators have clarified that Jayaram has not been charged with theft and is being questioned only to gather additional details.

The ED’s involvement began last month when its Kochi unit registered

an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This followed an earlier investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which had already recorded Jayaram’s statement. Reports indicate that summons have been issued to 12 individuals as part of the ongoing probe. The case itself was registered in October 2025.

The investigation centres on allegations against Unnikrishnan Potty, the primary accused, who is said to have organised private religious rituals in 2019 using temple artefacts. These reportedly included gold-covered copper plates. Authorities are looking into whether Jayaram participated in these ceremonies and the nature of his interactions with Potty.

Earlier, the SIT questioned Jayaram at his residence in Chennai, focusing on his involvement in such rituals and the frequency of his participation. The case relates to two alleged incidents involving the removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka and the Sreekovil doorframes of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. So far, the SIT has arrested 12 people, including former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents B Murari Babu and S Sreekumar.
Investigators have reiterated that Jayaram’s name does not appear in the list of accused and that his role is limited to providing information related to the pujas. His earlier statement is expected to assist agencies in piecing together the broader sequence of events.

Jayaram, born Jayaram Subramaniam, has had a long and celebrated career across Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada cinema. He made his acting debut with Aparan, went on to feature in several blockbuster films, and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2011. In 2025, he appeared in Mirai and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1.

Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan Potty, a Bengaluru-based Malayali businessman and former temple priest, has been accused of conspiring to steal gold during maintenance work at the Sabarimala temple. He was granted statutory bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court after the SIT failed to file a charge sheet within the mandated 90-day period. Reports suggest the ED is likely to summon him again for further questioning as the money laundering probe continues.