Kollam Vigilance Court Grants Bail to Former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner in Sabarimala Gold Heist
In a significant development, the Kollam vigilance court on Thursday granted bail to former Thiruvabharanam commissioner K S Baiju in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case. The court approved natural bail following a petition submitted after Baiju had completed a 90-day remand period, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation.
Bail Granted Due to Lack of Chargesheet Submission
The decision to grant bail was partly influenced by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failing to submit a chargesheet within the stipulated timeframe. This procedural delay played a crucial role in the court's ruling, highlighting potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case. However, Baiju will not be released from custody immediately, as he remains under remand for the separate dwarapalaka case, which involves allegations related to temple security and management.
Upcoming Bail Petition for Dwarapalaka Case
A natural bail petition for the dwarapalaka case is scheduled to be submitted on February 25, which could determine Baiju's future legal status. This upcoming hearing is closely watched by legal experts and the public, as it may impact the broader timeline of the Sabarimala investigations.
Other Accused Released on Bail
So far, five accused individuals in the Sabarimala gold heist case have been granted bail and subsequently released. Among them, the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and N Vasu, along with two others, received natural bail, indicating a pattern of judicial leniency in this complex case. These releases have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the investigation and the strength of the evidence presented.
Additional Remand for Former TDB Member
In a related development, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K P Shankaradas was remanded for an additional 14 days, underscoring the ongoing and multifaceted nature of the Sabarimala probes. This extension suggests that authorities are continuing to gather evidence and build cases against key figures involved in the temple-related controversies.
The Sabarimala gold heist case has drawn widespread attention due to its implications for temple security and governance in Kerala. As legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders are monitoring how these bail decisions and remands will shape the outcome of the investigations and potential trials.
