Sabarimala Gold Heist: Bail Hearings Underway Amidst Expanding Investigation
Thiruvananthapuram : A prosecution hearing is scheduled today regarding the bail plea of Tantri Kantar Rajeev in the Sabarimala gold heist case, as the defense completed its arguments yesterday in the Kollam Vigilance Court. The core question is whether the tantri was merely involved in ritualistic duties or played a role in the alleged theft of gold.
The defense argued that the tantri’s involvement was limited to ritual matters and that he had no connection to the gold theft. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) maintains that the tantri was part of a larger conspiracy. Hearings are also ongoing for the bail petition filed by the tantri in connection with the Kattilapali and Dwarapalaka cases.
Former Commissioner Also Seeks Bail
The bail petition of former Devaswom Commissioner and President N. Vasu will also be heard today. Having been in remand for 90 days, Vasu is seeking natural bail, citing the SIT’s failure to file a charge sheet. He is listed as the third accused in the Kattilapali case.
Investigation Widens, Flag Re-consecration Scrutinized
The SIT has indicated that additional individuals will be implicated in the Sabarimala gold robbery case. They informed the High Court that two more people will be added as accused in the Dwarapalaka pane case and one in the Kattila pane case, following an investigation into the involvement of four individuals, confirming the culpability of three.
Separately, the High Court has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the re-consecration of the Sabarimala flag. The State Vigilance Director has been tasked with forming a special team to investigate alleged irregularities during the flagpole’s reconstruction under the previous UDF ruling committee. All relevant files, documents, and financial records are to be transferred for review, with a preliminary report due within 30 days. The court also directed that statements from the sponsors be recorded.
