The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to actor Jayaram in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case and directed him to appear at its Kochi Zonal Office next Tuesday, officials of the central agency said.
The central agency’s move is aimed at clarifying Jayaram’s association with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. The notice to record the actor’s statement was served on Monday, just as the ED is preparing to question the main accused in the case.
Jayaram had earlier stated that he had no financial dealings with Unnikrishnan. He was previously questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at his residence in Chennai.
During that interrogation, the actor said he met Unnikrishnan at Sabarimala and that the latter had visited his home several times to perform pujas. He also admitted to participating in the consecration ceremony of the ‘Kattilappali’ (door frame) and joining a procession when the door panels were taken to the Elampally temple in Kottayam.
However, Jayaram maintained that he was unaware of any financial transactions or alleged fraudulent activities involving Unnikrishnan. Following his statement, the SIT reportedly decided to list him as a witness in the case.
Meanwhile, the ED has also questioned former administrative officer Murari Babu in connection with the same case. He underwent nearly nine hours of interrogation at the Kochi office after being released on bail following three months in custody.
Murari Babu is the sixth accused in the door frame case and the second accused in the Dwarapalaka panel case. Officials said he had initiated procedures to hand over the panels to Unnikrishnan.
The ED is now examining whether any financial transactions took place between Murari Babu and the prime accused. The agency is systematically questioning witnesses and individuals released on bail after being arrested by the SIT as part of its ongoing probe.
Also read: SIT questions UDF convenor Prakash in Sabarimala gold loss case
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