Kollam, 11 Feb (H.S.):Former Travancore Devaswom Board president N. Vasu has been granted default bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case. The court allowed bail after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a charge sheet within the legally mandated period, enabling Vasu to seek what is known as statutory or default bail.

Vasu, who is listed as the third accused in the related Kattilappally case, had been in judicial custody for over 90 days. Under criminal procedure rules, an accused is entitled to default bail if the investigating agency does not submit a charge sheet within the stipulated time. Citing this delay, Vasu approached the court seeking relief. The court accepted his plea and granted bail with specific conditions, details of which have not been publicly disclosed.

With this order, Vasu becomes the fifth accused in the gold heist case to secure bail. Earlier, three other accused persons, including first accused Unnikrishnan Potti, were also granted default bail on similar grounds after the investigation team failed to complete procedural requirements within the prescribed timeframe. The development has raised questions about the pace and efficiency of the ongoing probe into the alleged gold misappropriation linked to the Sabarimala temple administration.

Meanwhile, proceedings continue for other key accused in the case. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, who remains in remand custody, has filed bail petitions in two separate cases related to the investigation. Arguments in those petitions were completed in court on Wednesday. The Vigilance Court has reserved its verdict and is expected to pronounce its decision on the bail applications on the 18th of this month.

The Sabarimala gold heist case has attracted significant public attention due to the involvement of senior temple administration officials and the sensitive nature of the allegations concerning temple assets. As the investigation progresses, legal developments such as default bail orders are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the case. Authorities have indicated that the probe is ongoing and further steps will depend on the submission of the charge sheet and additional evidence gathered by the SIT.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman