The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple has taken a significant step by recording a formal statement from renowned actor Jayaram at his residence in Chennai. Sources indicate that the actor is likely to be listed as a key witness in this high-profile case, which has captured national attention.
Details of the Investigation
The SIT is actively investigating two separate but interconnected cases related to the alleged theft of gold from the sacred Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the ornate doorframes of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the Sabarimala temple. The questioning of Jayaram came after videos surfaced showing his participation in a puja organized in Chennai back in 2019 by the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.
Judicial Displeasure and Legal Consequences
In a parallel development, the Kerala High Court has expressed strong displeasure with the SIT for significant delays in the investigation process. Due to the police's failure to file the charge sheet within the legally mandated 90-day period, several main accused individuals have been released on default bail. As per Indian law, if a charge sheet is not filed within this timeframe, the accused are entitled to bail, a provision that has directly impacted this case.
This legal technicality has already led to the release of the main suspect, Unnikrishnan Potti, and another individual named Murari Babu. Earlier, on January 23, the Kollam Vigilance Court granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer Murari Babu in both cases related to the alleged gold loss at the Sabarimala temple.
Murari Babu's Case and Background
The court granted bail after 90 days had elapsed since his arrest, with the SIT failing to file charge sheets within the stipulated period. Murari Babu holds the position of the second accused in the case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol plates and the sixth accused in the case related to the Sreekovil doorframes.
Currently lodged at the Special Sub Jail in Thiruvananthapuram, he is expected to be released by Friday evening. Murari Babu will become the first accused arrested in the Sabarimala gold loss cases to be released from jail. His arrest occurred in October last year on charges of conspiracy, after he allegedly forwarded a proposal to electroplate the Dwarapalaka idols and Sreekovil doorframes to the TDB, as suggested by Unnikrishnan Potti.
At the time of his arrest, Murari Babu was serving as Deputy Devaswom Commissioner in Haripad and was subsequently suspended from service following the incident.
Current Status of Other Accused
Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan Potti had previously secured statutory bail in the Dwarapalaka idol case, though he remains in custody in connection with the Sreekovil doorframe case. The SIT has so far arraigned 16 accused individuals in the Dwarapalaka idol case and 13 in the Sreekovil doorframe case.
In another related development, the court extended the remand of another accused, Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, by 14 days. His bail plea is scheduled for hearing on January 28, adding another layer to this complex legal proceeding.
The investigation continues as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the alleged gold theft from one of India's most revered temples, with the judicial system closely monitoring the pace and progress of the case.
