Who Was Arrested in the Sabarimala Gold Heist Case?
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Synopsis
The Sabarimala gold heist case has escalated after the arrest of K.P. Sankaradas, a former Travancore Devaswom Board official. This development raises questions about the investigation's integrity and the political implications surrounding it.
Key Takeaways
- K.P. Sankaradas has been arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist.
- The total number of arrests has now reached 13.
- The investigation has drawn criticism from the Kerala High Court.
- Political ramifications are significant, with calls for higher-level accountability.
- The case continues to unfold with potential for a CBI investigation.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 (NationPress) The inquiry into the notorious Sabarimala gold heist case took a pivotal turn on Wednesday with the apprehension of K.P. Sankaradas, a former member of the Travancore Devaswom Board.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) executed the arrest at a private medical facility in Thiruvananthapuram, where Sankaradas has been receiving treatment.
This brings the total number of apprehensions in connection with the case to 13.
A team headed by Superintendent of Police S.P. Sashidharan arrived at the hospital to execute the arrest protocols.
Sankaradas had been in the ICU for a period, and due to his health condition, the Kollam court was notified. Consequently, a magistrate visited the hospital to fulfill the necessary legal obligations.
The remand report is set to be presented before the Kollam court shortly.
Sankaradas will remain under hospital supervision.
Interestingly, the Kerala High Court had recently issued a strong criticism of the SIT managing the Sabarimala gold heist investigation for not apprehending Sankaradas sooner.
The delay in his arrest had sparked discussions, particularly since the heist occurred in 2017, and among the three board members, only Sankaradas was not previously arrested.
It is noteworthy that Sankaradas' son serves as a high-ranking official in the Kerala Police and is also a senior leader of the CPI, the second-largest ally in the ruling Left government.
These events gain further importance as the Kerala High Court is anticipated to announce its ruling soon regarding a petition for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The request for a central agency inquiry was made by state BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who argues that the allegations are serious enough to warrant an impartial investigation.
With the case becoming increasingly political and CPI(M) and CPI leaders now in custody, the Congress-led UDF, the main opposition in Kerala, has called for the investigation to extend even higher.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has publicly advocated for a thorough investigation into the actions of the former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) legislator Kadakampally Surendran.
Point of View
The arrest of K.P. Sankaradas in the Sabarimala gold heist case highlights critical intersections of politics and law enforcement. The ongoing investigation is not just about theft but also concerns governance and accountability, suggesting that this matter will resonate deeply within the state and beyond.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold heist?
The Sabarimala gold heist refers to a significant theft that occurred in 2017 involving valuable offerings at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
Who is K.P. Sankaradas?
K.P. Sankaradas is a former member of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages temple affairs, and he is also the father of a senior Kerala Police official.
Why is the arrest significant?
The arrest is significant as it raises questions about the investigation's progress and the political implications involving influential figures in Kerala.
What is the role of the Kerala High Court in this case?
The Kerala High Court has been overseeing the investigation, criticizing the SIT for delays and is expected to rule on a plea for a CBI probe into the irregularities.
What political implications does this case have?
The case has political implications, as it involves members of the ruling party and opposition demands for deeper investigations into the actions of political leaders.
