Sabarimala gold theft: Sankaradas remanded again; former AO granted bail

PATHANAMTHITTA: Former Travancore Devaswom Board member K P Sankaradas has been remanded for another 14 days in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The decision was taken after the expiry of his initial remand period. The remand was ordered by the Kollam Vigilance Court. Sankaradas, who is suffering from serious health issues, was produced before the court in a wheelchair.

Meanwhile, the court granted conditional bail to S Sreekumar, the former administrative officer and sixth accused in the case. He was released on bail after spending 43 days in jail. Sreekumar had assumed charge as administrative officer just days before the gold panels of the Dwarapalaka sculptures were allegedly smuggled out. The defence argued before the court that Sreekumar had merely followed instructions from senior officials and had no direct role in the alleged gold theft.