SIT Urges Kerala High Court to Revoke Tantri's Bail in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kochi, March 24 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken steps to request the Kerala High Court to revoke the bail previously granted to tantri Kantarar Rajeevar in the second case associated with the purported Sabarimala gold theft, thereby heightening the legal examination surrounding this prominent investigation.
The court has opted to review both petitions collectively, which includes a prior appeal concerning the Dwarapalaka plank case.
This initial appeal relates to the Dwarapalaka plank case, where bail was permitted after 41 days in custody.
The SIT has contested this ruling, asserting that the lower court did not adequately evaluate essential evidence before determining that there were no grounds to deny bail.
According to the SIT, the tantri is significantly implicated in the alleged conspiracy and should not be regarded as a minor participant.
Investigators assert that there is considerable digital and testimonial evidence linking Rajeevar to the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.
Additionally, the SIT claims that Rajeevar’s familiarity with the protocols for managing and repairing sacred items from Sabarimala indicates his deeper involvement.
His supposed role in facilitating the handling and upkeep of temple assets is cited as part of a broader criminal conspiracy.
While the High Court is already addressing the appeal in the Dwarapalaka plank case, the SIT has now submitted a new petition in the associated Kattilappali case, also seeking the cancellation of bail in that instance.
This action demonstrates the agency's commitment to a unified legal approach regarding what it perceives as interconnected offenses.
The SIT argues that the lower court disregarded vital elements of the investigation, including the level of coordination among the accused.
It has urged the High Court to reassess the evidence comprehensively and revoke the granted bail, asserting that the severity of the charges and the evidence at hand justify ongoing custody.
With both petitions now grouped together, the High Court's upcoming decision is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft.
The two distinct charge sheets filed by the SIT have named 13 accused individuals, and currently, 10 of them are out on bail.
In the active assembly election campaign, the Sabarimala theft case has become a significant talking point for both the Congress-led UDF and the BJP-led NDA against the CPI-M-led Left.