KERALA: As the investigation into the Sabarimala gold robbery continues to stagnate without any conclusive breakthroughs even after several months, the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, who is currently under arrest and in judicial remand, is now on the verge of becoming eligible for statutory (default) bail. Under criminal procedure, if investigators fail to file even a preliminary charge sheet within 60 days of arrest in cases carrying a maximum punishment of up to 10 years, the accused becomes entitled to statutory bail.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Kerala High Court based on cases registered by the Crime Branch on October 10, first arrested Unnikrishnan Potty on October 17. Former Sabarimala Administrative Officer Murari Babu was arrested on October 23, followed by the arrest of former Devaswom Executive Officer D. Sudheesh Kumar on November 1. However, even after more than 60 days have elapsed since the arrests of all three accused, the SIT has failed to file even a preliminary charge sheet, raising serious questions about the pace and direction of the probe.
The remand period of former Devaswom Board presidents N. Vasu and A. Padmakumar, who were arrested at a later stage, is also set to cross the 60-day threshold in the coming days. Despite over three months of investigation, the SIT has been unable to clearly establish how much gold was actually stolen or trace the final destination of the stolen gold. More significantly, despite earlier findings by the Devaswom Vigilance wing, investigators have failed to arrest the so-called “big guns” referred to by the High Court or confirm allegations regarding possible international transactions linked to the crime.
Only two weeks remain for the completion of the investigation period that was extended by the High Court, yet critical gaps persist. Meanwhile, former Devaswom Board president N. Vasu has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking bail. In his petition, he has stated that he had no role in the alleged conspiracy behind the Sabarimala gold robbery and asserted that he has been fully cooperating with the investigation. The apex court is also expected to consider the bail petition filed by former Devaswom Board member K.P. Shankaradas on the 7th.
Serious allegations have also emerged regarding the scope of the SIT’s investigation. It is claimed that the probe has not been expanded to cover all individuals linked to Unnikrishnan Potty, the principal accused. Critics allege that the SIT is indulging in a “hide-and-seek” approach. Although the SIT has reportedly collected Call Detail Records (CDRs) of individuals who were in contact with Potty, no meaningful or systematic follow-up investigation has been conducted based on this data. Reports suggest that elected representatives are among those who had close links with the accused, but their identities have not been made public so far.
The High Court has recently come down heavily on the SIT, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the investigation. A section of the police establishment believes that the court may consider replacing the current SIT leadership if it concludes that the probe is going off track. There is speculation that the High Court could remove ADGP H. Venkatesh, who is heading the SIT, and appoint another senior officer to ensure a more effective investigation.
Amid growing controversy, reports have emerged that the Central Intelligence Bureau has recommended handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The state police are also reportedly keen to distance themselves from the case, which has generated significant political turbulence. Many within the police believe that conducting an independent investigation in a case involving senior leaders of the Left is increasingly challenging, and therefore are not opposing a CBI probe.
At the same time, the state government remains apprehensive about transferring the investigation entirely to a central agency. While the ruling Left Front may publicly oppose CBI intervention on political grounds, there is concern within party circles that an expanded probe reaching the party’s top leadership could prove damaging ahead of elections. The BJP has taken a firm stand, insisting that only a CBI investigation can ensure credibility and transparency. The Congress, meanwhile, has maintained that the SIT should be allowed to complete its investigation independently, without yielding to any form of political pressure, particularly in view of allegations involving certain Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi.
As deadlines approach and legal challenges mount, the Sabarimala gold robbery case now stands at a critical juncture, with its future course likely to be shaped by judicial intervention and political calculations alike.
