Sabarimala gold case: Bail granted to former TDB president A. Padmakumar

In Kollam, a district vigilance court granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar in the second case linked to the Sabarimala gold theft. Padmakumar had already secured bail in the kattilappali (doorframe) case, and this latest order clears the way for his release from prison after he completed 90 days in remand.

The court granted statutory bail after the Special Investigation Team failed to file a chargesheet within the legally mandated timeframe, a procedural lapse cited by Padmakumar's legal team. With this decision, seven accused in the gold scam have now been released from custody.

Among those granted statutory bail are Unnikrishnan Potti (first accused) and four others — Murari Babu, D. Sudheesh Kumar, N. Vasu, and S. Sreekumar. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and K.S. Baiju had already been granted regular bail previously.

Legal observers say the bail underscores procedural delays in the SIT’s investigation and could influence the next phase of proceedings. While it enables Padmakumar’s release, it does not conclude the case; the trial is still pending. Stakeholders will be watching how this development affects other co-accused and the overall handling of the Sabarimala gold theft allegations.

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