Kochi erupted in judicial fury on Tuesday as the Kerala High Court tore into the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft cases. Justice A. Badaruddin minced no words, expressing deep alarm over the protracted delays in filing charge sheets. These lapses, the court warned, are paving the way for key accused to walk free on statutory bail, casting a long shadow over the probe’s credibility.
To date, the SIT has submitted two charge sheets implicating 13 individuals, with one already securing statutory bail. The bench highlighted how such delays erode public faith in investigative agencies and invite skepticism about the seriousness of the efforts. ‘When accused are released due to default, it inevitably tarnishes the investigation’s reputation,’ the judge remarked pointedly.
The court zeroed in on prominent figures like Murari Babu, a former Devaswom Board administrative officer implicated in both the Dwarapalika and Kattilppala cases, who has already gained statutory bail. Similarly, main accused Unnikrishnan Potti stands released on bail in the Dwarapalika matter, with statutory bail looming in the Kattilppala case by February 2.
These stern observations came during hearings on a bail plea by Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Smart Creations. Bhandari argued he had cooperated fully, providing statements six times prior to being named an accused, rendering his arrest unnecessary. The court, however, stood firm, deeming arrest unavoidable while underscoring that detainees must receive all legal protections, including statutory bail rights as per Supreme Court directives.
In response, the SIT cited procedural hurdles and pending scientific evidence crucial to nailing the crime. Documents seized from Devaswom Board offices and other sites are under scrutiny, but vital forensic proofs remain elusive. Undeterred, the team affirmed its commitment to securing convictions and bringing perpetrators to justice, bail or no bail.
The controversy spilled into the Kerala Assembly, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clashed fiercely with opposition leader V.D. Satheesan amid volleys of accusations. Two opposition MLAs staged a protest outside the assembly, alleging indirect interference by the CM in the probe. As tensions simmer, the High Court’s rebuke serves as a clarion call for swift action to restore trust in this sensitive investigation.