Gold theft case: SIT waiting for scientific examination results to prepare charge sheet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is awaiting detailed scientific examination reports to prepare the charge sheet in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The reports are expected to clarify how much gold was lost from temple plates and other items. At present, the SIT has access only to a limited number of documents and statements. Officials say scientific evidence is crucial to make the charge sheet watertight and to ensure the accused do not escape punishment during trial.

A key aspect of the investigation is to establish through forensic examination that former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, while in office, struck out the word “gold” and wrote “copper” in its place in his own handwriting in the Devaswom minutes. For this purpose, samples of Padmakumar’s handwriting and signature have been collected and sent to a forensic laboratory.

A detailed probe is also underway to determine whether the gold plates taken to Chennai were replaced with new ones before being returned.

The stolen gold has not yet been recovered. However, gold equivalent to the estimated loss was seized from a jewellery shop in Bellary. Investigators are concerned that the failure to recover the original stolen gold could weaken the case. Since the case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, government sanction is also required to file the charge sheet and proceed with trial against the accused, who include former board members and staff.

With scientific test results likely to be delayed, there is a strong possibility that the filing of the charge sheet may also be delayed, allowing the accused to secure statutory bail. The SIT fears that if the accused are released, there is a risk of evidence being destroyed and witnesses being influenced.

SIT to register more cases against Potty
To prevent Unnikrishnan Potty from securing statutory bail, the SIT is planning to register more cases against him. Potty has already been granted bail in the Dwarapalaka gold plate case. In the door frame case, he will complete 90 days in custody on February 2. If a charge sheet is not filed by then, he will become eligible for statutory bail.

To avoid this, the SIT is preparing to book him in cases related to real estate transactions and cheque fraud complaints. There were earlier complaints against Potty at various police stations, including allegations of illegal money lending. Investigators plan to register these cases and remand him again in an effort to prevent his release.