The Kerala High Court has delivered a significant blow to a former administrative officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), denying him anticipatory bail in a high-profile case involving the loss of gold worth approximately Rs 50 lakh from the famed Sabarimala temple. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations and allows the investigation to proceed without obstruction.
Court Rejects Bail Plea, Cites Investigation Needs
Justice K. Babu, presiding over the single bench, dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by the former officer, N. Vijayakumar. The court emphasized that granting pre-arrest bail at this crucial juncture could potentially hamper the ongoing probe. The prosecution successfully argued that Vijayakumar's custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and to trace the missing gold.
The case revolves around a shocking incident where gold, meant for crafting a ceremonial sword (Pushpam Churika) for Lord Ayyappa, went missing. The loss, valued at nearly Rs 50 lakh, was discovered during an audit. The gold had been donated by a devotee from Tamil Nadu for the specific purpose of creating the sacred weapon, making its disappearance a matter of deep religious and legal concern.
The Missing Gold and Key Accused
Investigations by the Pathanamthitta police revealed a trail of alleged negligence and possible conspiracy. According to the prosecution, the donated gold was stored in a steel almirah within the administrative block of the temple. The key accused in the case, Sumesh, the son of a former TDB employee, remains absconding. He is alleged to have played a central role in the incident.
The prosecution informed the High Court that the former administrative officer, Vijayakumar, failed in his duty to ensure the safe custody of the valuable offering. They contended that his actions, or lack thereof, facilitated the theft. The court noted the gravity of the offence, which not only involves substantial financial value but also strikes at the sanctity and security of one of Kerala's most revered pilgrimage centres.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The anticipatory bail plea was vehemently opposed by the public prosecutor. The defence argued for bail, but the court found the prosecution's arguments regarding the need for a thorough investigation more compelling. With this order, the path is now clear for the Pathanamthitta police to arrest and question the former TDB officer as they continue their manhunt for the primary accused, Sumesh.
This case has sent shockwaves through the administration of the Sabarimala temple and has raised serious questions about security protocols for valuable offerings. The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, is under increased scrutiny to implement stricter safeguards. The denial of bail marks a pivotal moment in the case, signaling the judiciary's intent to ensure a transparent and unimpeded investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the temple's gold.
