Why has the court postponed the ED's request for Sabarimala gold heist case details?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, a vigilance court has postponed the hearing on the ED's request for crucial records in the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case. The prosecution's demand for more time raises questions about the investigation's transparency and the potential implications of sharing sensitive information.
Key Takeaways
- The court has postponed the hearing on the ED's request for records in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
- The prosecution requires more time to present objections.
- The ED argues its right to investigate under the PMLA.
- The SIT opposes sharing documents due to confidentiality issues.
- The next hearing is set for December 17.
Kollam (Kerala), Dec 10 (NationPress) A vigilance court in Kerala's Kollam has once again postponed the hearing regarding the Enforcement Directorate’s request for important documents related to the Sabarimala gold theft case. This decision follows the prosecution's request for additional time to provide written objections on behalf of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The court has rescheduled the hearing for December 17.
The ED is seeking critical documents such as the FIR, remand report, statements from the accused, and other pertinent records to investigate the potential money-laundering aspect tied to this high-profile case.
In its application, the central agency argues that the case falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), granting it the legal authority to trace the financial trail and seize properties associated with the alleged crime.
Conversely, the SIT has firmly opposed this request, stating that the investigation is being carried out confidentially, and sharing these documents at this point could jeopardize the inquiry.
The prosecution indicated that more time is needed to formally present written objections to the court.
The ED approached the Vigilance Court following directives from a division bench of the High Court, which previously noted that any decision regarding the release of documents should come only after considering the government’s perspective.
With both parties maintaining their respective positions, the court has decided to revisit the matter on December 17, when it is anticipated to make a ruling after evaluating the prosecution’s objections alongside the ED’s appeal for access to the records for its parallel financial investigation.
In the Sabarimala gold heist case, the SIT has apprehended two former Presidents of the Travancore Devasom Board, A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, both closely linked to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with three others, including a serving official from the Board, as well as the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.
Point of View
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold heist case?
The Sabarimala gold heist case involves the theft of gold and valuable items from the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, leading to investigations by various agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate.
Why did the court postpone the hearing?
The court postponed the hearing due to the prosecution's request for additional time to prepare written objections regarding the Enforcement Directorate's petition.
What documents is the ED seeking?
The ED is seeking critical documents such as the FIR, remand report, statements from the accused, and other related records to investigate potential money-laundering activities linked to the case.
What is the role of the Special Investigation Team?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is responsible for conducting a thorough investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case, ensuring that all aspects of the case are examined.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing is scheduled for December 17.
