Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Nov 13 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the trial court on Thursday denied the anticipatory bail request of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) secretary S. Jayasree, paving the way for her imminent arrest.

The SIT maintained that, due to the severity of the allegations and the ongoing inquiry, custodial interrogation was essential.

Jayasree, identified as the fourth accused in this case, had previously sought anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court, which was rejected earlier this month on procedural grounds, as Justice K. Babu highlighted her failure to approach the Sessions Court first without demonstrating exceptional circumstances.

Following this setback, she applied to the trial court for anticipatory bail, which was also denied on Thursday.

According to the prosecution's claims, during her service as TDB secretary and subsequently as Thiruvabharanam commissioner, Jayasree allegedly conspired to misappropriate temple gold and valuables.

It is asserted that she issued directives entrusting items from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) contrary to board decisions, facilitating systematic misappropriation.

Currently retired and facing health challenges, Jayasree had hoped the court would take her health issues into account when deciding on her bail application, but this did not transpire.

She could be arrested at any moment.

So far, the SIT has arrested five individuals in connection with the two FIRs, including former TDB president Vasu, one current official, two past officials, and primary accused sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti.

On the same day, another former TDB president, A Padmakumar, who is also a former CPI(M) MLA, was summoned for questioning.

Additionally, on Thursday, the SIT began a scientific examination of the Sabarimala Sannidhanam structures as part of evidence gathering.

Following directives from the High Court, the SIT has requested permission from the temple’s Thantri, Mahesh Mohanararu, via the TDB to conduct tests on the door guardian sculptures and gold-plated panels inside the shrine.

Officials stated that this inspection will aid in verifying the authenticity and integrity of the gold-plated sheets.

This examination will also analyze metal layers and panels installed during recent renovations, including those added at the beginning of the current pilgrimage season.

These developments signify an escalation in the investigation, with both judicial and forensic scrutiny intensifying around key accused in one of Kerala’s most politically sensitive temple-related corruption cases.