Kerala High Court Expresses Satisfaction with SIT Probe in Sabarimala Gold Heist Case
The Kerala High Court, sitting in Kochi, on Wednesday expressed its satisfaction with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged gold heist at the Sabarimala temple. The court made these observations while hearing petitions filed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others, who were seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile case.
Court Addresses Concerns Over Bail and Investigation Delays
During the hearing, the bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar addressed several key concerns raised by the petitioners. The court observed that there was no cause for concern regarding the accused obtaining statutory bail after 90 days of arrest. It firmly stated that none of the accused would escape justice and that the investigation would not be adversely affected by such procedural matters.
The petitioners had primarily contended that the public, especially devotees of Sabarimala, were unaware of the facts of the ongoing investigation and were therefore deeply concerned. They further argued that this lack of transparency would seriously affect the credibility of the SIT. However, the court did not agree with these submissions.
Complex Nature of the Case Requires Meticulous Investigation
The court emphasized that the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case is an unusual and highly complex one, which cannot be compared to routine investigations such as murder or assault cases that are typically completed within a short period. It noted that every link in the alleged theft must be carefully examined and connected, requiring a meticulous and scientific approach to the investigation.
Despite the petitioners' apprehensions regarding the delay in filing the chargesheet, the court orally stated that it was not concerned about the chargesheet not being filed within the stipulated time. It stressed that the scientific aspects of the investigation must be completed thoroughly to ensure a robust case. The court added that the ongoing probe by the SIT is the most credible at this stage and that competent officers are currently handling the matter.
SIT Probe Under Direct Court Supervision
The court further clarified that the SIT probe is being conducted under its direct supervision, and the bench is fully aware of the progress of the investigation. In response to the pleas, director general of prosecution T A Shaji, appearing on behalf of the state government, submitted that the SIT reports directly to the court and that the government has no control over the SIT, reinforcing the independence of the investigative process.
The court adjourned further hearing in the matter to March 13, allowing time for the SIT to continue its detailed work. This decision underscores the judiciary's confidence in the current investigative framework while addressing public and political concerns over the high-stakes temple heist case.
