Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Kerala HC questions TDB role in Sabarimala gold heist
The Kerala High Court was very upset with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) during a hearing about the Sabarimala gold heist.
The court asked why important jobs, like gold plating, were given to just one person, Unnikrishnan Potty, who is the main accused.
The court was also upset with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for not arresting a former TDB member, KP Shankaradas.
The hearing was about whether three people, including a former TDB president, should be granted bail.
The SIT said no, and the court was not happy with how things were being handled.
Meanwhile, a vigilance court allowed the SIT to arrest the chief priest of Sabarimala, Kandararu Rajeevaru, in connection with the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols.
The chief priest's bail plea is listed for January 19, and the custody of another accused, A. Padmakumar, was extended by 14 days.
Kerala High Court questioned the TDB's role in the Sabarimala gold heist, criticizing the assignment of major responsibilities to Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused.
The court was hearing bail applications of A. Padmakumar, Govardhan, and Murari Babu, all accused in the case.
The SIT opposed the bail pleas and was criticized by the court for not arresting former TDB member KP Shankaradas.
Justice Badharudeen suggested that the hospitalization of one accused might have been influenced by his son's position as a Superintendent of Police.
The vigilance court allowed the arrest of Sabarimala chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru in the case related to the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Unnikrishnan Potty, A. Padmakumar, Govardhan, Murari Babu, KP Shankaradas, Kandararu Rajeevaru
- What
- Kerala High Court questioned the role of the TDB in the Sabarimala gold heist case, criticizing the assignment of major responsibilities to a single individual, Unnikrishnan Potty, and the SIT's handling of the case. The vigilance court allowed the arrest of Sabarimala chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru in the case related to the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols.
- When
- The hearing took place on Monday and the court order was passed on Tuesday.
- Where
- Kerala High Court and Vigilance Court in Kollam
- Why
- The court was considering bail applications of three accused in the Sabarimala gold heist case and questioned the TDB's oversight and the SIT's investigation. The SIT sought the arrest of the chief priest in connection with the gold loss case.
Critics of TDB and SIT
Supporters of TDB and SIT
Assignment of Responsibilities
Critics of TDB and SIT
Critics argue that assigning major responsibilities to a single individual, Unnikrishnan Potty, was a significant oversight by the TDB.
Supporters of TDB and SIT
Supporters may argue that the assignment was based on professional qualifications and experience.
Investigation Handling
Critics of TDB and SIT
Critics believe the SIT has not conducted a thorough investigation, especially in not arresting former TDB member KP Shankaradas.
Supporters of TDB and SIT
Supporters of the SIT may argue that the investigation is ongoing and all necessary steps are being taken.
- Primary Accused
- Unnikrishnan Potty
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Case
- Sabarimala gold heist
- Accused in Bail Hearing
- A. Padmakumar, Govardhan, Murari Babu
- SIT Action
- Opposed bail, criticized for not arresting KP Shankaradas
- Arrested Chief Priest
- Kandararu Rajeevaru
- Bail Plea Date
- January 19
- Custody Extension
- 14 days for A. Padmakumar
