Kollam Vigilance Court Rejects Bail for Former TDB Member in Sabarimala Gold Scam
In a significant development, the Kollam vigilance court on Monday dismissed the bail application of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K P Sankaradas. The rejection pertains to two separate cases linked to the high-profile Sabarimala gold scam, marking a setback for the accused.
Court's Decision Based on Medical Review
Vigilance court judge Mohit C S dismissed the pleas after thoroughly reviewing the medical documents submitted by Sankaradas. His counsel, G Mohanraj, had sought bail on medical grounds, arguing for leniency due to health issues. However, the court found the evidence insufficient to grant relief, upholding the legal proceedings.
Details of the Cases and Accusations
Sankaradas is listed as the 15th accused in a case involving the alleged loss of gold from the dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple. Additionally, he is the 11th accused in another case related to missing gold from the sreekovil doorframes. These incidents date back to 2019, when he served as a TDB member under the leadership of A Padmakumar.
During that period, gold ornaments were allegedly handed over to the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, for replating work. Sankaradas, who was the CPI nominee on the board, has faced scrutiny for his role in the scandal. The court had previously criticized the police for delays in arresting him, highlighting procedural lapses.
Arrest and Medical Treatment
Sankaradas was admitted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to health problems before his arrest. On January 14, the special investigation team probing the case took him into custody. Following a court directive, he was later shifted to a medical college hospital for continued treatment, balancing legal obligations with medical needs.
Broader Context of the Sabarimala Gold Scam
The Sabarimala gold scam has drawn widespread attention, with allegations of mismanagement and theft of temple assets. So far, the court has granted bail to seven accused individuals, including the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. This case underscores ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability in temple administration.
The rejection of Sankaradas's bail application reinforces the judiciary's commitment to a thorough investigation. It signals that medical pleas alone may not suffice without compelling evidence, setting a precedent for similar cases. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders await further developments in this complex scandal.
