The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple questioned former Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornament) Commissioner KS Baiju, officials confirmed on Saturday. Baiju, who is retired from service, served as the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner when the gold-plated coverings of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols were removed and taken for electroplating in July 2019.
Sources indicated that Baiju was on leave on July 19 and 20 when the idols were removed from Sabarimala and handed over to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, who had sponsored the electroplating work. Baiju was arrested by the SIT earlier this month.
Police officials said Baiju was questioned again regarding the procedure adopted for permitting Potty to take the gold-plated coverings.
Meanwhile, the Vigilance Court dismissed the bail application filed by Baiju in the second case, which relates to the gold lost from the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).
The SIT strongly opposed the bail plea, arguing that the investigation is ongoing and that releasing the accused at this stage would affect the probe. However, Baiju’s counsel submitted that he was not involved in the removal of the gold plates from the door frames that were given to Potty for electroplating. The court, considering the ongoing investigation, dismissed the bail petition.
So far, the SIT has arrested six persons, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board, across the two related cases.
Also read: Rush of devotees at Sabarimala as pilgrimage season begins
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