The Kerala High Court has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by S. Sreekumar, the former Administrative Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board, who is the sixth accused in the Sabarimala gold-theft case. The Court also rejected the anticipatory bail application of S. Jayasree, the former Secretary of the Board and the fourth accused in the matter. Both are facing allegations of criminal breach of trust, dishonest misappropriation of property, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
The case concerns the alleged misappropriation of gold belonging to the Sabarimala Temple, including gold-plated copper claddings of the dwarapalaka idols and parts of the sanctum sanctorum that had been removed during renovation works in 2019. After resurfacing and reinstallation, a significant quantity of gold was found missing, prompting a vigilance inquiry. The High Court subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team to conduct a detailed probe into the missing gold and the possible role of officials who supervised or were involved in the renovation process.
During consideration of the anticipatory bail pleas, the Court heard the submissions in-camera. The bench noted the gravity of the allegations, the importance of safeguarding temple property, and the need for a thorough investigation into potential collusion by officials entrusted with custody and supervision of the renovation. The Court held that the nature of the accusations and the stage of the investigation did not justify granting pre-arrest bail, leading to dismissal of the applications and expiry of interim protection from arrest.
In addition to rejecting the bail pleas, the Court granted the Special Investigation Team an extension of six weeks to complete its ongoing probe. The bench noted the substantial progress already made but stressed the necessity of a comprehensive examination of all angles, including the possibility of a broader conspiracy and the involvement of additional individuals, whether past or present officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Court underscored that accountability cannot be avoided on the basis of position or seniority and that those responsible for the disappearance of temple property must be identified and proceeded against.
The Court’s directions aim to ensure a meticulous investigation into the alleged theft of sacred material from one of the most prominent temples in the region, while reinforcing the institutional obligation to protect and maintain religious property entrusted to official custodians.
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