Kochi, 19 Dec (H.S.):The Kerala High Court on Thursday dismissed the bail pleas of three former senior officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board in connection with the alleged gold misappropriation during the refurbishment of the Sabarimala temple’s sanctum door plating.

The court rejected the applications filed by N Vasu, former Devaswom Board Commissioner and President, along with former Executive Officer Murari Babu and former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Baiju. Justice A. Badharudeen delivered the order declining bail to all three accused.

According to submissions made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the trio are directly linked to the alleged misappropriation and granting them bail at this stage would adversely affect the ongoing probe. The prosecution argued that the accused held key administrative responsibility at the time of the refurbishment and were in a position to influence or manipulate evidence if released. The court accepted the SIT’s stand and dismissed the pleas.

In his petition, Vasu contended that there was no documented proof that the sanctum door plating was wrapped in gold, claiming that the prosecution relied merely on statements and an unverified letter allegedly issued by an employee of the UB Group. The accused also asserted that they had no role in any fraudulent activity.

Earlier, a vigilance court in Kollam had dismissed their bail pleas, prompting them to approach the High Court.

The case pertains to alleged discrepancies in the quantity and use of gold during the refurbishment of the sanctum door (kattilla palli) at the Sabarimala temple. Investigators believe valuable materials went missing under the guise of repair work, triggering widespread controversy and legal scrutiny.

With the High Court’s latest order, all three former officials will remain in judicial custody as the investigation progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman