The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) Pathanamthitta unit on Wednesday arrested K.R. Sunilkumar Potti, a former priest and Devaswom employee, for his alleged involvement in a major financial fraud during the 2025 Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
The accused, a native of Aroor in Alappuzha, was previously serving as a priest at the Chaliyekkara Bhadrakali temple under the Punalur group of the TDB. During the pilgrimage season, he had been officially deputed by the board to oversee the sale of ‘Aadiya Shishtam Neyyu’ (ghee left over after the offering) at Sabarimala.
The arrest follows a detailed investigation into the irregularities surrounding the sale of ghee packets during the festival period. According to the Vigilance department, devaswom employees entrusted with the sale of these packets manipulated stock records and failed to remit the full proceeds to the Board’s account. This systemic embezzlement resulted in a significant financial loss of ₹36,24,400 to the board. The fraudulent activity was uncovered after discrepancies were noted between the actual stock sold and the revenue officially accounted for by the deputed staff.
Sunilkumar Potti was arrested following the registration of a case by the Pathanamthitta Vigilance unit in connection with the financial loss incurred by the board. He will be produced before the Vigilance Court in Kollam.
Published – February 04, 2026 08:20 pm IST
