8 months ago
Kerala Court Grants Bail in Sabarimala Gold Loss Case
A court in Kerala has allowed a businessman named Unnikrishnan Potty to go free on bail in a case about missing gold from a famous temple called Sabarimala.
However, he will still stay in jail because he is also involved in another case about missing gold from temple statues.
The court said he could be released because the police did not file all the necessary papers on time.
The police have arrested 12 people in total for these cases, including two former temple board presidents.
A former minister, Kadakampally Surendran, visited Potty's residence but denies any wrongdoing.
The opposition party, UDF, alleges that Kadakampally had a role in the gold loss, but he says ministers have no role in temple administration.
The investigation is being monitored by the Kerala High Court.
Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into the money laundering angle and financial dealings between Kadakampally and Potty.
The Sabarimala Tantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru, has also been taken into custody for interrogation.
Kerala court granted bail to Unnikrishnan Potty in the Sabarimala Sreekovil door frames gold loss case.
Potty remains in jail for another case related to the loss of gold from Dwarapalaka idols.
Bail was granted because the SIT did not file a chargesheet within the 90-day period.
The SIT has arrested 12 people, including Potty and two former TDB presidents.
Former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran visited Potty's residence but denies accepting any gifts or involvement in the gold loss.
- Who
- Unnikrishnan Potty, a Bengaluru-based businessman, and 11 others, including former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru
- What
- Granting of bail in the Sabarimala Sreekovil door frames gold loss case and ongoing investigations
- Where
- Kollam, Kerala
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned)
- Why
- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) did not file a chargesheet within the mandatory 90-day period
Kadakampally's Defense
UDF Opposition's Allegations
Visit to Potty's Residence
Kadakampally's Defense
Kadakampally visited Potty's residence once, but denied accepting any gifts and informed the SIT about the visit.
UDF Opposition's Allegations
UDF opposition claims the visit was suspicious and politically motivated.
Role in Gold Loss
Kadakampally's Defense
Kadakampally denies any involvement, stating that ministers have no role in temple administration.
UDF Opposition's Allegations
UDF alleges Kadakampally had a role in the gold loss during his tenure as Devaswom Minister.
Key facts
- Accused
- Unnikrishnan Potty
- Location
- Kollam, Kerala
- Case
- Sabarimala Sreekovil door frames gold loss
- Bail Granted By
- Vigilance Court
- Arrested Individuals
- 12 (including Potty and two former TDB presidents)
- Chargesheet Filing Status
- Not filed within 90 days
- Current Status
- Potty remains in jail for another case
- Former Minister Involved
- Kadakampally Surendran
- Allegations by Opposition
- UDF opposition alleges Kadakampally's involvement in gold loss
- ED Investigation
- Considering money laundering angle and financial dealings with Potty
- SIT Custody
- Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru granted one-day custody
Timeline
Potty denied bail in gold theft, stays jailed.
Then, granted bail in Sabarimala case, but...
Another gold theft case bars his release.
Kerala court's bail ruling stalls Potty's freedom.
Quotes
Kerala High Court
The judicial body that dismissed the bail pleas.
“Babu is one among the prime accused in both crimes, and when serious allegations of this nature are raised, that too, misappropriation from a temple by the persons, who were assigned to protect the same become the looters, grant of bail to such an accused could not be considered, particularly when the investigation is on the mid stage, where recovery of a large portion of the gold ornaments is yet to be effected.”
theprint.in
“Padmakumar, being a former TDB president and MLA, was very influential and if released on bail, would definitely interfere with the investigation, including the recovery of the remaining part of gold alleged to be misappropriated.”
theprint.in
Sources
Sabarimala Gold Loss Case: Kerala Court Grants Bail to Prime Accused Unnikrishnan Potty
Visited Unnikrishnan Potty’s home, took no gifts: Ex-Minister Kadakampally on Sabarimala gold case
Sabarimala gold loot: Former minister Kadakampally Surendran also under ED radar
Court Grants One-day SIT Custody of Sabarimala Tantri in Gold Loss Case
Kerala HC denies bail to Padmakumar, two others in Sabarimala gold loss cases
Sabarimala gold heist: ED freezes ₹1.3 crore assets of accused, uncovers major money laundering evidence
Kerala HC denies bail to former TDB president Padmakumar, two others in Sabarimala gold loot case
Kerala HC comes down heavily on perpetrators of Sabarimala gold loot
Sabarimala gold loss: Accused ‘jointly looted’ Lord Ayyappa’s property, says Kerala HC
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