In a significant development in the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft investigation, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer Murari Babu appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kochi on Tuesday for detailed questioning.
Questioning Session and Release
Babu arrived at the ED's Kochi office on Tuesday morning and underwent extensive interrogation throughout the day. He was eventually released late on Tuesday evening after the questioning session concluded. Sources indicate that the ED is likely to summon and question more individuals connected to the case in the coming days as the probe intensifies.
Multiple Cases and Accusations
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the high-profile theft has named Babu as the second accused in the case concerning the alleged theft of gold from the gold-clad coverings of the dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple. Additionally, he has been arrayed as the sixth accused in a separate case related to the alleged theft of gold from the gold-clad copper covering of the door frames of the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Murari Babu's involvement in the case dates back to October 2023. He was suspended from service on October 7 after reporting the alleged theft and was subsequently arrested on October 23 in connection with the cases. Babu appeared before the ED after securing bail in the police case. He managed to obtain statutory bail after the police failed to submit the charge sheet within the mandated 90-day period.
The accusations against Babu are serious and detailed. He is alleged to have dishonestly recommended repairs to the gold-clad copper encasements of the dwarapalaka idols and the gold-clad copper plates on the north and south pillars while serving as the administrative officer of Sabarimala in 2019. These recommendations are believed to have facilitated the thefts, making his role crucial to the investigation.
The ED's questioning marks a pivotal step in unraveling the complexities of the Sabarimala gold theft, which has drawn significant attention due to the temple's religious importance and the substantial value of the stolen items. As the probe expands, more revelations are expected to emerge in this high-stakes case.
