Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Travancore Devaswom Board Former Member Arrested

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case arrested former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member N. Vijayakumar on Monday.

He surrendered at the SIT office. After recording his arrest, Vijayakumar was produced before the Vigilance Court, which remanded him to judicial custody until January 12.

Vijayakumar had earlier filed a bail plea that will be heard on December 31 at the Vigilance Court in Kollam. He served as a board member during the tenure of former TDB president A. Padmakumar in 2019.

According to the SIT, Vijayakumar, along with former TDB president Padmakumar, was involved in the decision to give gold to Unnikrishnan Potty.

Earlier, the SIT had arrested former TDB presidents A Padmakumar and N Vasu for their alleged involvement in the case. The probe, which had been moving slowly, picked up pace after the Kerala High Court made strong observations about the delay in the investigation. This prompted the SIT to pursue Vijayakumar and subsequently record his arrest.

Last week, the SIT also arrested Smart Creation CEO Panjkaj Bhandari and Goverdhan, a Bellary-based jewellery owner.