Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT to submit final report by March 31

KOCHI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has informed the High Court that the final report in the Sabarimala gold theft case will be submitted by March 31. Scientific testing of the gold plate samples will be carried out at a laboratory in Jamshedpur. These details were mentioned in the High Court’s interim order. The SIT has collected 36 percent of the gold plate samples for examination. The scientific analysis will be conducted at the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur. The SIT also told the court that the lab has agreed to conduct the testing free of cost.

Meanwhile, the Kollam Vigilance Court said that no evidence was produced to prove a connection between Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and Unnikrishnan Potty in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The court stated in its bail order that there was no proof of conspiracy. It also noted that maintenance and repair work related to the temple are the responsibility of the Devaswom Board, while the Tantri’s role is limited to ritual and spiritual matters, including poojas.

The court further said that the absence of a signature in the mahazar weakens the allegation of criminal conspiracy. It added that there was insufficient evidence to support charges, including conspiracy, against the Tantri. The charges listed in the FIR against him had earlier sparked controversy.

The prosecution had submitted certain documents related to the financial transactions of the Tantri and his family while opposing bail. However, the court observed that these could not be treated as part of a conspiracy and granted bail. The Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to the Tantri in the Dwarapalaka and temple door frame cases, rejecting the prosecution's claims that the Tantri had close links with Unnikrishnan Potty.