Remand extended for ex-TDB chief, co-accused in Sabarimala gold theft case

The Kollam Vigilance Court on Wednesday extended the judicial remand of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prashanth and co-accused Ajikumar until September 1 in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The two were produced before the court after the expiry of their previous remand period. Their bail pleas remain under consideration, with arguments continuing.

During the proceedings, the prosecution presented additional evidence, including digital and physical material, that it said links the accused to the alleged crime. According to the prosecution, call detail records show that Mr. Prashanth and others contacted Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused, on the day the TDB decided to grant permission to Smart Creations for gold plating work at the Sabarimala temple. The prosecution also submitted that WhatsApp communication took place with Mr. Potti before the board meeting, and that a direct meeting occurred between Mr. Ajikumar and Mr. Potti.

Further, the prosecution told the court that Mr. Potti had constructed houses for two individuals based on Mr. Ajikumar's recommendation, and that both individuals were present at the key handover ceremony of a house. Investigators also pointed out that Mr. Potti submitted the application to transport gold plates using someone else's email address, one day after the board decision was made.

Mr. Prashanth and Mr. Ajikumar were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 23. Besides the gold theft case, both are also accused in the Sabarimala ghee procurement scam. Vigilance investigations in that matter have revealed alleged irregularities in the tender process for purchasing ghee from Milma, with accusations that Mr. Prashanth actively intervened to ensure the contract was awarded to the dairy cooperative.

The Sabarimala gold theft case pertains to the alleged theft of gold plates and other valuable items from the hill shrine. The TDB, a statutory body, manages the Sabarimala temple and several other temples in Kerala. The investigations are being monitored by the court, and the accused have denied the allegations.