Kerala HC comes down heavily on perpetrators of Sabarimala gold loot

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday made strong observations in the gold looting in the Sabarimala temple. The court said what happened in Sabarimala was a gang robbery and that the accused looted Lord Ayyappa’s properties in an organised manner.

The court asked, ‘Even if you do penance amidst the five fires, can it be an atonement for this sinful act?’

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The High Court’s criticism came in the order rejecting the bail applications of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and senior CPM leader A Padmakumar, former TDB administrative officer B Murari Babu and Karnataka-based jeweller Roddam Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan, who are accused of misappropriating gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sreekovil of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

Justice A Badharudeen concluded the order denying bail to the accused, including former TDB president A Padmakumar by quoting lyrics from a famous film song, asking: “Even if you do penance amidst the five fires (panchagnimadhye tapas cheytalum), can it be an atonement for this sinful act?” The court observed that for the millions of devotees of Lord Ayyappa, this sentiment reflects the gravity of the alleged crime at the shrine.

The court stated that the accused acted in concert to loot divine property, describing it as a typical case where “protectors” became “destroyers”.

The court said A Padmakumar, Govardhan and Murari Babu are influential people. ”It should be investigated whether there are more accused. Padmakumar is a very influential person. He is still a member of a party, and if he is released now, there is a possibility that he will interfere in the case using his influence.

”The looted gold needs to be completely found. We need to get an answer as to where the gold to be found is. Along with the accused who were recently arrested in the case, they also need to be questioned.”

The High Court has again strongly criticised former TDB member KP Sankardas, accused in the Sabarimala gold loot case, who is on remand in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and is admitted to a hospital. The High Court has ordered the formation of a medical board to examine the health condition of KP Shankaradas.

The High Court has directed that a medical board be formed to examine Shankaradas’ illness. The court has directed that it should be examined whether Shankaradas can be kept in jail or continue his treatment, and that the report be submitted in a sealed cover. Shankaradas is currently undergoing treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.