Thu Feb 05 08:11:09 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Sabarimala Gold Loss Incident: Key Accused Granted Statutory Bail as Investigation Lags

The Story:

A court in Kollam, Kerala, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, granted statutory bail to Unnikrishnan Potti in the second case related to the Sabarimala gold loss incident. Potti, the first accused in both cases, was granted bail in the case pertaining to the loss of gold from the door frames of the Sreekovil after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a chargesheet within 90 days of his arrest. He had previously received statutory bail in a similar case involving the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol plates. With both bails secured, Potti is set to be released. The court also extended the remand of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, while former TDB Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K S Baiju has approached the Vigilance court seeking statutory bail.

Key Points:

  • Unnikrishnan Potti granted statutory bail in the Sreekovil door frame gold loss case.
  • Bail was granted due to the SIT’s failure to file a chargesheet within the stipulated 90-day period.
  • This is the second bail granted to Mr. Potti related to the Sabarimala gold loss.
  • Kandararu Rajeevaru’s remand has been extended.
  • K S Baiju has sought statutory bail in both cases.
  • The Kerala High Court expressed satisfaction with the progress of the SIT probe, despite the bail grants due to delays.
  • The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating a money-laundering angle to the gold loss case.

Critical Analysis:

The granting of statutory bail highlights a potential weakness in the investigation. The SIT’s failure to meet the charge sheet deadline allowed the accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, to be released. Given the sensitivity and high-profile nature of the Sabarimala gold theft, this delay raises concerns about the efficiency and resource allocation of the investigating team. The previous report of the Kerala Assembly disruptions suggests that the opposition party finds fault in the government’s handling of the case, adding political pressure to the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delays in filing chargesheets can significantly impact the progress of high-profile investigations.
  • Statutory bail provisions can lead to the release of key accused, potentially hindering justice.
  • The Sabarimala gold loss incident continues to be a politically sensitive issue in Kerala.
  • Multiple agencies (SIT, ED) are involved, indicating the complexity and potential scope of the case.
  • Public confidence in the investigation’s effectiveness is likely to be affected by these developments.

Impact Analysis:

The ongoing investigation, coupled with the granting of bail, may lead to a prolonged legal battle and potential for further political fallout. The incident has the potential to damage the reputation of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and erode public trust in the management of Sabarimala’s assets. The involvement of the ED suggests the possibility of uncovering broader financial irregularities. A transparent and timely resolution of this case is crucial to restore public confidence and ensure accountability.

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