Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: First Accused Released on Bail Amid SIT Probe Defended by Kerala Minister
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Kerala Minister MB Rajesh has defended the SIT investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case, accusing the opposition of 'playing drama' and 'scared' of the probe expanding to top officials. This comes as the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, was released on bail on Thursday after receiving statutory bail. The opposition, led by VD Satheesan, has criticized the delay in filing the charge sheet, claiming there is a conspiracy behind it. They argue that evidence is being destroyed and that accused CPM leaders will go free. Potty, a priest-turned-businessman, was granted bail by the Kollam Vigilance Court Judge Mohit C S, who imposed conditions including a ₹ 2 lakh bond and a direction not to enter Pathanamthitta district. Potty was the first to be arrested in the case last October and had earlier gotten bail in a related case in January. The court has also extended the remand of Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru, who has filed a bail petition to be considered on February 9. The SIT probe has been ongoing since the gold theft was discovered, and the devaswom bench of the High Court has expressed confidence in the investigation. The minister's defense of the SIT probe has been met with criticism from the opposition, who claim that the government is trying to cover up the real issues and protect high-ranking officials involved in the case.
