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Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Nov 13 (IANS) In a major development in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the trial court on Thursday convicted former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) secretary S. Jayshree’s anticipatory bail plea was rejected, paving the way for her possible arrest.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, the SIT was firm that custodial interrogation was necessary.
Jayashree, the fourth accused in the case, had earlier approached the Kerala High Court for anticipatory bail, which was rejected on procedural grounds earlier this month when Justice K. Babu had said that he had bypassed the Sessions Court without citing extraordinary circumstances.
After that setback, Jayshree moved the trial court for anticipatory bail, which was also rejected on Thursday.
According to the prosecution, Jayashree, during his tenure as TDB Secretary and later as Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, misappropriated the gold and valuables of the temple.
It has been alleged that he issued orders to hand over the objects from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) in violation of the Board’s decisions, thereby allowing systematic misuse.
Jayshree, who is currently retired and suffering from health issues, was hoping that the court would take note of her health issues and grant her anticipatory bail, but that did not happen.
He can be arrested any time.
Five people have been arrested in the two SIT FIRs so far, including former TDB president Vasu, a serving officer, two former officers and key accused sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti.
On Thursday, another TDB president, A Padmakumar, who is also a former CPI(M) MLA, was called for questioning.
Meanwhile, the SIT on Thursday began scientific verification of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam structures as part of evidence collection.
Acting on the direction of the High Court, the SIT has sought permission from the temple thantri, Mahesh Mohanararu, through the TDB to conduct tests on the idols of the gate guardians and gold-plated panels within the temple.
Officials said the inspection will help determine the authenticity and integrity of the gold-plated sheets.
The testing will also include metal layers and panels installed during recent temple renovation phases, including those fixed at the beginning of the current pilgrimage season.
The development reflects the intensity of the investigation, with both judicial and forensic investigations tightening around the key accused in one of Kerala’s most politically sensitive temple-related corruption cases.
–IANS
SG/DPB