Sabarimala gold theft: Former Devaswom Board member K P Sankaradas remanded

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Travancore Devaswom Board member KP Sankaradas, who was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case, has been remanded for 14 days. The remand was recorded while he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Any decision to shift him from the hospital will be taken based on the doctors’ advice.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has found that the gold plates were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty with the knowledge of Sankaradas. The SIT said Sankaradas had signed all the related documents. It also stated that the Devaswom Board has collective responsibility for the gold theft. The investigation team reached Sankaradas based on the statement of former Travancore Devaswom Board president Padmakumar, who was arrested earlier.

Sankaradas is the 11th accused in the case. The court had earlier criticised the Special Investigation Team for delaying his arrest. Sankaradas had been undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital for the past few days. After he was transferred to a room, investigating officer SP Sasidharan arrived at the hospital and recorded his arrest late last night. The prosecution informed the court about the arrest on the same day.