Gold Ornaments Probe Intensifies at Sabarimala

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold loss from the Sabarimala temple has detained former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju. Baiju, among others, is under scrutiny for his role in the removal and electroplating of gold-plated coverings from temple idols. The court denied bail due to the ongoing investigation.

The Special Investigation Team, tasked with investigating the gold loss from Sabarimala temple, has intensified its focus on former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju. Official sources confirmed on Saturday that he has been detained for questioning.

Authorities filed a petition that led the Kollam Vigilance Court to permit Baiju's custody for interrogation until evening. Baiju, now retired, was in office when the Dwarapalaka idols' gold-plated coverings were removed for electroplating in July 2019. His absence from work during the removal raised suspicions, particularly as the coverings were entrusted to the main suspect, Unnikrishnan Potty.

The Vigilance Court also refused Baiju's bail application in a related case involving missing gold from the sanctum sanctorum's door frames. With the investigation still underway, the court echoed SIT's concerns that Baiju's release might compromise the ongoing probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)