Kerala HC Rejects CBI Probe Demand, Expresses Satisfaction with SIT Investigation in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday said it is satisfied with how the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the investigation into the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple.
The court said there is no need to worry even if some accused get statutory bail after 90 days in custody. The judges said none of the accused will escape and the investigation will continue without problems.
A bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar made these comments while hearing petitions filed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others. They had asked for the case to be handed over to the CBI for investigation.
The petitioners argued that devotees and the public do not know enough about the progress of the probe and this is causing concern. They also said this could affect the credibility of the SIT. But the court did not accept this argument.
The judges said the Sabarimala gold theft case is unusual and very complex. It cannot be compared to normal cases like murder or assault that are solved quickly. The court said every detail and connection in the case must be checked carefully using scientific methods.
The court also said it is not worried about the delay in filing the chargesheet. It stressed that scientific investigation must be completed properly. At present, the SIT probe is the most reliable, and experienced officers are handling it. The investigation is happening under the court’s direct supervision, and the judges are regularly informed about the progress.
The Director General of Prosecution, T A Shaji, told the court that the SIT reports directly to the court and not to the state government.
The next hearing in the case will be held on March 13.