Major Setback in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case as Accused Get Default Bail; Former TDB Officer Also Granted Bail
Thiruvananthapuram: Major setback in the Sabarimala gold theft case as several accused are securing default bail after investigators failed to file the charge sheet within 90 days of arrest. The delay has triggered public concern and questions over the pace and seriousness of the probe. Earlier, the Kerala High Court criticized the SIT, warning that failure to file the charge sheet in time would raise public doubts about the investigation.
Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) Executive Officer Sudheesh Kumar has been granted bail in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Since he received statutory (default) bail in both cases, Sudheesh Kumar will be released from jail on Tuesday. On Monday Kollam Vigilance Court granted him bail after 90 days of arrest were completed in the Kattilappali and Dwarapalaka panel cases, making him eligible for default bail.
Earlier, Murari Babu and Sreekumar had also received bail in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. Former Administrative Officer S. Sreekumar was granted bail on January 29. The Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail with strict conditions. Sreekumar was the Administrative Officer when the panels were handed over to and later returned by Unnikrishnan Potti. He argued that Murari Babu had prepared the draft mahazar (official record) even before he took charge of the post, and that signing it was part of his duty as an officer.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance Court will hear the bail plea of Unnikrishnan Potti in the Kattilappali case on Wednesday. N. Vasu was produced before the court and remanded for 14 days.
Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru underwent an angiogram at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College on Monday after developing chest discomfort in jail. The SIT said it is awaiting his medical report. He is the 16th accused in the Dwarapalaka idol plate gold loss case and the 13th accused in the Sreekovil door frame gold loss case.
In the Dwarapalaka idol plate gold loss case, Thantri Kandararu Rajeevar has submitted a bail application.