Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Kerala HC Denies Bail in Sabarimala Gold Case
The Kerala High Court has said no to bail for three people who are accused of losing gold from the Sabarimala temple.
These people are N Vasu, K S Baiju, and B Murari Babu.
The court is still looking into how the gold went missing.
The gold was taken from the temple's decorations in 2019.
The police have already arrested seven people, including the main suspect, Unnikrishnan Potty.
The court has not yet given the full reasons for their decision.
The police are still investigating how the gold disappeared.
Additionally, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Smart Creations, and Govardhan, a jewellery shop owner, for their involvement in the gold heist.
The SIT found that the gold was extracted from the temple's Dwarapalaka sculpture and sold to Govardhan through an intermediary.
Kerala High Court denied bail to N Vasu, K S Baiju, and B Murari Babu in the Sabarimala gold loss case.
The court is investigating the loss of gold from the temple's Dwarapalaka and Sreekovil door frames.
The incident is believed to have occurred in 2019 when the gold plates were taken for electroplating.
Seven people, including the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty, have been arrested so far.
The SIT arrested Pankaj Bhandari and Govardhan for their roles in the gold heist, with more than 800 grams of gold recovered from Govardhan's jewellery shop.
- Who
- Former TDB president N Vasu, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju, former TDB administrative officer B Murari Babu, Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari, and jewellery owner Govardhan
- What
- Denial of bail and arrests in connection with the loss of gold from Sabarimala shrine
- When
- The bail hearing and denial occurred on Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Kerala High Court, Kochi
- Why
- The accused are involved in cases related to the loss of gold from the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala
Prosecution
Defense
Bail Denial
Prosecution
The prosecution argues that the accused should not be granted bail due to the severity of the gold theft case and the need for further investigation.
Defense
The defense argues that the accused should be granted bail, citing the lack of concrete evidence and the prolonged detention without trial.
Investigation Progress
Prosecution
The prosecution supports the SIT's efforts and the need for thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the gold theft.
Defense
The defense criticizes the SIT for delays and complacency, arguing that the investigation has not been conducted efficiently.
- Accused Individuals
- N Vasu, K S Baiju, B Murari Babu, Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Judge
- Justice A Badharudeen
- Investigation Team
- Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Cases Registered
- 2
- Year of Incident
- 2019
- Prime Accused
- Unnikrishnan Potty
- Total Arrested
- 7
- Gold Recovered
- More than 800 grams
Sources
Sabarimala Gold Issue: Kerala HC Denies Bail to Ex-TDB President N Vasu, Others
ED gets the nod to probe Sabarimala gold heist as court rejects SIT objections
Sabarimala gold heist: SIT arrests Smart Creations CEO Pankaj Bhandari, jewellery owner Govardhan
CMO exerts pressure on SIT in Sabarimala gold loss probe: LoP Satheesan
