Sabarimala theft case: Kerala HC backs SIT probe, says no accused will be allowed to go scot-free

Kochi Feb 4 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday gave strong backing to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Sabarimala gold theft case, asserting that the investigation is progressing in the right direction and assuring that none of the accused will be allowed to escape the clutches of law.

It was the High Court that initiated an SIT probe and chose the team which has been conducting the investigation.

Making crucial observations, the court underscored that the entire probe is being conducted under its close supervision and asked petitioners seeking a CBI investigation to grant the SIT some more time.

The court was hearing petitions filed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which had sought a transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, citing the gravity of the allegations and the wider ramifications of the case.

Rejecting apprehensions raised by the petitioners, the High Court made it clear that the grant of statutory bail to accused persons would not derail the investigation.

Terming the Sabarimala gold smuggling case as "extraordinary" and "highly complex", the court observed that the SIT is dealing with multiple layers of transactions and individuals, requiring meticulous examination.

The judges stressed that statutory bail granted after the mandatory 90-day period does not, by itself, weaken the prosecution or enable the accused to evade accountability.

"No accused will be allowed to go scot-free," the court assured in unequivocal terms.

So far, of the 13 arrested, three have secured bail, and the remaining are also expected to file their appeals for bail.

The High Court further noted that every procedural and substantive aspect of the investigation is being carefully scrutinised by the court, thereby ruling out any laxity or external interference.

Emphasising the need for judicial patience in cases of this magnitude, the bench reiterated that adequate time must be provided to investigators to unravel the full extent of the alleged crime.

The court's firm endorsement of the SIT is being viewed as a significant morale booster for the investigating agency, especially amid mounting political pressure and intense protests inside the State Assembly by the Opposition, which has questioned the credibility and pace of the probe.