The Kerala High Court took up the bail plea of a Ballari-based jeweller who was arrested in connection with the alleged gold theft from the Sabarimala temple, a case that has drawn significant judicial and public attention. The petitioner, Roddam Pandu Rangaiah Naga Govardhan, was taken into custody as part of the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold removed from the Dwarapalaka idols of the temple during electroplating and repair works undertaken several years ago. The matter is part of a larger probe into missing gold and valuables from the temple, being conducted by a Special Investigation Team.
Govardhan approached the High Court seeking bail after his arrest in two related cases. In his submissions, he admitted that he had received nearly 475 grams of gold that had been removed from the idols during the electroplating process. However, he contended that the receipt of gold was not clandestine or illegal. According to him, the gold was handed over at the instance of the first accused in the case, and he had paid monetary consideration to the Travancore Devaswom Board through demand drafts. He further stated that he had also given a gold necklace to the Sabarimala authorities as a form of donation. He asserted that these transactions were documented and were not acts of theft or misappropriation.
The petitioner placed reliance on documents to support his claim that he transferred amounts to the Devaswom Board’s Annadhana Trust corresponding to the value of the gold he received. He also highlighted his long association with the Sabarimala temple as a devotee and donor, stating that he had made offerings and contributions to the temple over many years. On this basis, he argued that the prosecution’s allegation that he dishonestly appropriated temple gold was unfounded and that his continued detention was unnecessary.
Govardhan also raised allegations regarding the conduct of the investigating agency. He claimed that officers of the Special Investigation Team had threatened him during raids conducted at his jewellery shop and residence, and that substantial quantities of gold were seized during these searches. According to him, these actions caused undue hardship and were disproportionate, particularly when he had cooperated with the investigation and had provided explanations and records relating to the transactions under scrutiny.
The case forms part of a wider investigation initiated following allegations that gold was unlawfully removed from the gold-clad components of the Sabarimala temple idols during maintenance and electroplating works. Earlier proceedings before the High Court had flagged serious concerns regarding the handling of temple valuables and the accountability of individuals and institutions entrusted with their custody. The investigation has already led to the arrest of several persons, including individuals associated with firms involved in handling temple articles, and has involved seizures of materials said to be connected with the alleged diversion of gold.
While considering the bail plea, the High Court indicated that it would examine the role attributed to the petitioner, the nature of the evidence collected so far, and the explanation offered by him regarding receipt and payment for the gold. The Court is also expected to assess the stage of the investigation, the seriousness of the allegations, and whether custodial detention is still warranted for the purpose of effective investigation.
The matter was taken up for hearing with the Court reserving its consideration on whether bail could be granted, and if so, under what conditions. The outcome of the bail plea will depend on the Court’s evaluation of the balance between the need to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of temple gold and the petitioner’s claim that he is entitled to liberty in the absence of evidence showing deliberate wrongdoing on his part.
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