Sabarimala gold theft: A Padmakumar's remand extended for 14 days

KOLLAM: The Kollam Vigilance Court has extended the judicial remand of former Travancore Devaswom Board president and ex-MLA A. Padmakumar by 14 days in connection with the case involving the theft of gold plating from the Dwarapalaka sculptures at the Sabarimala temple. The remand period in the case related to the theft of gold from the door frame panel is set to end on Thursday.

The bail plea filed by Padmakumar in the case related to the theft of gold plating from the Dwarapalaka sculptures will be considered on December 22. The court has sought a report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in this matter.

Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan Potty and Murari Babu, who were earlier taken into SIT custody, were produced before the court on Tuesday evening and remanded back to jail. Murari Babu was placed in SIT custody for two days in connection with the theft of gold plating from the Dwarapalaka sculptures, while Unnikrishnan Potty was held in custody for two days in the case related to the theft of gold plating from the door frame panel.

The court allowed the SIT custody based on the agency’s request for further questioning in light of newly obtained evidence. Public Prosecutor Siju Rajan appeared on behalf of the prosecution.