The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor Jayaram to investigate his connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case because he portrayed King Rajasekhara in Kantara: Chapter 1. The ED’s Kochi unit registered an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) last month. The agency will require Jayaram to present himself on February 17. The case was originally lodged in October 2025.
Who is Jayaram?
Born Jayaram Subramaniam, Jayaram is a veteran actor across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. He debuted with Aparan and went on to deliver multiple blockbusters. He received the Padma Shri in 2011 and recently appeared in Mirai and Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1.
Who is Unnikrishnan Potty?
Unnikrishnan Potty, a Malayali businessman who operates in Bengaluru, faces charges of conspiracy to steal gold during Sabarimala maintenance works because of his previous employment as a temple priest. He received statutory bail after the charge sheet submission experienced delays, but the ED plans to summon him again.
Why has Jayaram Been Summoned?
The investigation focuses on the alleged misuse of temple artefacts because the investigation centres on the 2019 private religious ceremony, which used gold-covered copper plates as sacred objects. The ceremony was reportedly organised by Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused. Jayaram is being questioned because he needs to explain his role in rituals, together with his financial connections to the investigation.
The authorities have not designated Jayaram as a suspect in the investigation. The authorities proceed with their interrogation of him in order to obtain additional details.
SIT Questions and Case Details
Earlier, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned Jayaram at his Chennai residence about how often he participated in such rituals. The case involves two alleged incidents: the reported removal of gold from the Dwarapalaka and Sreekovil doorframes at the Sabarimala temple.
The SIT has arrested 12 individuals, including former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents B Murari Babu and S Sreekumar.
