Sabarimala Gold Heist: Bail Denied to Key Accused

The Kerala High Court has denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and two officials in the Sabarimala gold loss case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the case, focusing on gold removal from the shrine's sacred items, with multiple arrests made.

In a significant development, the Kerala High Court on Friday refused bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu, alongside two former Board officials. They stand accused in the mysterious gold loss cases from the revered Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala.

Justice A Badharudeen also dismissed the bail pleas of former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju and former TDB administrative officer B Murari Babu. Detailed court orders are awaited to provide more clarity on the judicial stance.

This case, which has captured widespread attention, is being meticulously investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the directive of the High Court. The investigation currently hinges on allegations against the prime suspect, Unnikrishnan Potty, who is believed to have unlawfully removed gold plates during an electroplating process in 2019. Additional arrests, including those of two former TDB presidents and four Board employees, have intensified the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)