Kollam, 04 March (H.S.):Former Travancore Devaswom Board president and CPM leader A. Padmakumar is likely to be released on bail today in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The Kollam Vigilance Court is expected to pronounce its verdict on Padmakumar’s bail plea later in the day, raising the possibility of his release after spending weeks in judicial custody.

Padmakumar is currently under remand as part of the investigation into the alleged theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka sculptures at the Sabarimala temple. The case, which has drawn significant public and political attention in Kerala, relates to the disappearance of gold ornaments from the sacred temple premises, prompting a vigilance probe and the arrest of multiple individuals linked to the alleged conspiracy.

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Padmakumar’s legal team has argued that he is entitled to statutory bail since the investigation has not been completed within the legally stipulated time frame. Under Indian criminal procedure, an accused may be granted what is known as “default bail” if the investigating agency fails to file a charge sheet within 90 days of arrest in serious offences.

Padmakumar had earlier been arrested in connection with the Kattilappalli case related to the same investigation. In that case, he had already secured statutory bail after the completion of the remand period. Following the expiry of the 90-day remand period in the case involving the Dwarapalaka sculptures, his lawyers moved the Kollam Vigilance Court seeking similar relief.

The defence has also pointed out that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has not yet filed a charge sheet in the matter. This delay, they argue, strengthens Padmakumar’s claim for statutory bail under the provisions of the law.

The Sabarimala gold theft case involves allegations that gold from the temple’s Dwarapalaka sculptures was misappropriated during renovation and related works. The investigation has so far led to the arrest of several individuals, including temple contractors and other intermediaries.

Out of the total accused in the case, seven individuals have already secured bail. Among them are five accused, including the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, who were granted statutory bail earlier after the investigation failed to meet the required filing deadline.

The Vigilance Court’s decision on Padmakumar’s bail plea is therefore expected to mark a significant development in the high-profile case, which continues to be closely watched across the state. If granted bail, Padmakumar will be released from custody pending further investigation and trial proceedings.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman