The Kollam vigilance court is set to announce its decision on Thursday concerning the bail application of Unnikrishnan Potti, the key suspect in the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case. Legal experts anticipate that Potti is likely to receive statutory bail in the second case as well, primarily due to significant delays in the submission of the chargesheet by investigators.
Bail Proceedings and Legal Developments
The hearing on the bail plea in the dwarapalaka case concluded on Wednesday, marking a critical juncture in this complex legal battle. Potti had previously secured bail in the case related to the misappropriation of gold from the kattilapadi, and he has now approached the court seeking statutory bail in the dwarapalaka case after completing 90 days in custody. This move follows the release of other accused individuals, including B Murari Babu, S Sreekumar, and D Sudheesh Kumar, all former officials with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
Investigation Challenges and Delays
Investigators have pointed to delays in evidence collection as the primary reason for the slow progress in filing the chargesheet, despite the probe being conducted under the supervision of the high court. A scientific examination carried out by experts from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre confirmed that the panels were not replaced, leaving the quantity of missing gold as the only unresolved aspect of the case.
At present, the special investigation team (SIT) is relying heavily on the statements of the accused and information provided by the TDB, with limited scientific evidence available to strengthen their case. Officials have expressed concerns that a lack of conclusive material evidence could significantly weaken the prosecution during the trial. Consequently, the SIT is intensifying its efforts to gather additional evidence, which has contributed to the ongoing delay in finalising the chargesheet.
Potential Bail for Other Accused
In related developments, CPM leader A Padmakumar, who was arrested on November 20, may also become eligible for statutory bail if the chargesheet is not filed by February 20. The SIT has voiced apprehension over potential setbacks in court if the chargesheet lacks strong supporting references, highlighting the critical need for robust evidence.
Investigators have also noted that the failure to recover the stolen items has so far weakened the case, enabling accused persons to seek bail more effectively. Meanwhile, several other accused, including former Thiruvabharanam commissioner K S Baiju, have approached the court seeking statutory bail, further complicating the legal landscape.
Enforcement Directorate's Involvement
In a parallel development, the enforcement directorate (ED) is preparing to question Unnikrishnan Potti if he is released on bail, with plans to issue a summons immediately. The ED recently questioned Murari Babu for several hours on Tuesday and released him after issuing a notice. The agency is probing his financial transactions since 2019, and while he denied any financial dealings with Potti, the ED is expected to examine relevant documents and summon him again for further questioning.
This multifaceted investigation continues to unfold, with legal and financial dimensions adding layers of complexity to the Sabarimala gold heist case.
