Former Devaswom Board President N Vasu Secures Statutory Bail in High-Profile Sabarimala Gold Heist Case
In a significant development, N Vasu, the former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board and a former devaswom commissioner, has been granted statutory bail in the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case. The Kollam vigilance court approved his bail application on Wednesday, citing procedural delays by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Bail Granted Due to SIT's Failure to File Chargesheet Within 90 Days
The court's decision to grant bail to Vasu stems from the SIT's inability to file a chargesheet within the mandatory 90-day period following his arrest. This statutory provision allowed Vasu to seek release, as the investigation team did not meet the legal deadline for submitting evidence and formal charges.
Vasu is identified as the third accused in the kattilapadi case, which is part of the broader Sabarimala gold heist investigation. His bail marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal proceedings, highlighting the importance of adherence to procedural timelines in criminal cases.
Vasu Becomes Fifth Accused to Be Released in the Case
With this bail grant, N Vasu becomes the fifth accused to be released in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist case. He follows in the footsteps of other accused individuals, including Unnikrishnan Potti and Murari Babu, who have previously secured bail. Once the necessary bail procedures are finalized, Vasu is expected to be released from prison, pending further court hearings.
The bail comes with stringent conditions imposed by the Kollam vigilance court to ensure compliance and prevent any interference with the investigation. These conditions include:
- Not entering Pathanamthitta district, which is closely linked to the Sabarimala temple and the case.
- Not leaving the state of Kerala without prior permission from the court.
- Appearing regularly before the investigating officer as required for questioning and updates.
- Surrendering his passport to prevent any possibility of fleeing the country.
Remand Extended for Other Accused in the Case
In a related development, the remand of other accused individuals in the case has been extended. Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan, and K S Baiju have had their remand periods prolonged by 14 days, indicating that the investigation into their roles is still ongoing. This extension contrasts with Vasu's release, underscoring the varying stages of legal proceedings for different accused parties.
The Sabarimala gold heist case continues to unfold, with multiple accused individuals facing different legal outcomes based on evidence and procedural factors. The grant of bail to N Vasu adds a new layer to the case, as authorities work to piece together the details of the heist and bring all involved to justice.
