The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Malayalam actor Jayaram for questioning in connection with its investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold-plating scam. He has been asked to appear before the agency’s Kochi office next week to give his statement.

The summons marks a clear widening of the probe. According to sources, the ED is now tracing the financial trail linked to the alleged misuse of gold associated with the Sabarimala temple. Although Jayaram was earlier questioned by the Kerala Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) as a witness, the central agency is examining the case from a money-laundering angle, with a focus on identifying any proceeds of crime.

Investigators are looking closely at Jayaram’s long-standing association with Unnikrishnan Potti, one of the main accused. They are also examining whether rituals involving gold-linked artefacts connected to the shrine were held at private residences for personal or financial benefit. The latest summons follows the ED’s recent questioning of former Sabarimala administrative officer Murari Babu and another former official, S Sreekumar, as the agency attempts to piece together the sequence of events and determine whether temple resources were diverted or misused.

The controversy first surfaced after videos and photographs emerged showing gold-clad artefacts linked to the temple being used during a pooja at Jayaram’s residence. The SIT had earlier questioned the actor at his Chennai home, where he maintained that the ritual was purely devotional. He has consistently denied any knowledge of unauthorised movement of gold or of any financial transactions related to the event.

Sources said the ED is now examining whether those involved in conducting such poojas at private locations gained financially. The agency is also keeping a close watch on the assets and financial dealings of Unnikrishnan Potti and other accused persons, including former Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, as part of efforts to trace the alleged money trail.

Officials said Unnikrishnan Potti, who is currently out on bail, is likely to be summoned once Jayaram’s questioning is completed and the agency consolidates its findings. The ED entered the case last month after a vigilance court in Kollam allowed it to register a case and conduct a parallel investigation, directing that all related records be handed over.

Jayaram was last seen in the recently released family drama Ashakal Aayiram, which also features his son Kalidas Jayaram in the lead.