Sabarimala gold theft: Medical examination to decide whether Sankaradas will be moved to jail
Thiruvananthapuram: A decision is expected today on whether K P Sankaradas, an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, will be shifted to another hospital or moved to jail. Sankaradas is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The final decision will be taken after the jail doctor visits the hospital and conducts a medical examination.
Sankaradas was remanded to judicial custody for 12 days by the Kollam Vigilance Court judge on Tuesday evening. The judge arrived at the hospital to complete the remand proceedings, as Sankaradas was receiving medical care at the time.
According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the gold sheets involved in the theft were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty with the knowledge of Sankaradas. Investigators have stated that Sankaradas had signed all relevant documents connected to the transaction. The SIT has also taken the view that the Travancore Devaswom Board bears joint responsibility for the gold theft.
The investigation led to Sankaradas following statements made by Padmakumar, the former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who was arrested earlier in connection with the case. Sankaradas has been named as the 11th accused.
During the remand proceedings, the court criticized the SIT for the delay in arresting Sankaradas. He had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of the private hospital for several days. After his condition improved and he was shifted to a room, Investigating Officer SP Sasidharan reached the hospital and formally recorded his arrest. The court was immediately informed of the arrest through the public prosecutor.
Further steps regarding his custody will depend on the medical assessment to be conducted later today.