The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to provide its stance on the bail application filed by N Vasu, the former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), who is implicated in the high-profile Sabarimala temple gold theft case. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 15.
Court Adjournment and Legal Proceedings
A bench presided over by Justice K Babu issued the order, seeking instructions from the prosecution before making a decision on the bail petition. This development comes after Vasu's initial bail plea was rejected by the vigilance special court in Kollam, which led him to approach the higher court.
N Vasu was taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on November 11 and has remained in judicial custody since his arrest. He stands as the third accused in this sensitive case that has shaken the devotees of the famed hill shrine.
Allegations and Defense in the Gold Theft Case
The prosecution's case alleges a calculated conspiracy. According to investigators, Vasu and other accused individuals aided the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, in the illicit misappropriation of gold. The gold was allegedly stripped from the gold-clad copper coverings of the dwarapalaka idols and the temple's doorframes, leading to wrongful financial gain.
In his defense, Vasu has maintained his innocence. He contends that his actions were not intentional and that he merely acted as a conduit in an official capacity. Vasu claims he only forwarded communications received from subordinate officials to the TDB through proper channels for consideration, denying any personal involvement in the theft.
Case Implications and Next Steps
The adjournment of the bail plea to December 15 means the former TDB president will remain in custody until at least the next court date. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple and the serious nature of the allegations involving precious temple assets.
The High Court's call for the state's instructions is a critical step in determining the legal course ahead for Vasu. The outcome of this bail petition will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for the judicial handling of the other accused in this intricate investigation. All eyes are now on the prosecution's response and the court's ruling on December 15.
