Sabarimala Gold Heist: Kollam Vigilance Court Grants Statutory Bail to Former Executive Officer
The Kollam vigilance court on Monday granted statutory bail to former executive officer Sudheesh Kumar in both the kattilapali and dwarapalaka cases related to the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation, as Kumar becomes the third accused to secure release on bail in this complex case.
Grounds for Bail: Remand Period Completion and SIT's Inaction
Sudheesh Kumar secured bail primarily due to the completion of the mandatory 90-day remand period. The court noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had failed to submit a chargesheet within this timeframe, which legally entitled Kumar to statutory bail under relevant provisions. This follows similar bail grants to former administrative officers Murari Babu and S Sreekumar, who were earlier released in connection with the same case.
Contrasting Fate: TDB President Remanded for Further Investigation
In a contrasting move, another accused, former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu, was remanded for an additional 14 days. Vasu was presented before the Kollam vigilance court on Monday after his initial remand period ended. The court's decision to extend his remand suggests that investigators may be pursuing different angles or evidence against him compared to other accused individuals.
Upcoming Bail Hearings: Key Accused Await Court Decisions
The vigilance court is scheduled to hear the bail plea of the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, in the kattilapali case on Wednesday. Potti sought bail after the 90-day remand period concluded, with his application highlighting the SIT's failure to file a chargesheet. Notably, Potti had previously received bail in the initial arrest related to the dwarapalaka case, indicating a layered legal process.
Health Concerns and Legal Strategy: Tanthri's Bail Application
Another significant development involves tanthri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru, who applied for bail in the dwarapalaka case on Monday. Rajeevaru was admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital on Sunday after complaining of chest pain and is scheduled to undergo an angiogram. The court will consider his bail plea in the kattilappally case on Tuesday, with the defence expected to request that applications in both cases be considered together, potentially streamlining the legal proceedings.
This series of bail grants and pending applications underscores the procedural challenges and health considerations influencing the Sabarimala gold heist case. As the investigation continues, the court's decisions reflect a balance between legal timelines, investigative progress, and individual circumstances of the accused.
