A. Padmakumar Remanded Again, Accused in Sabarimala ‘Dwarapalaka’ Sculpture Gold Theft Case

Kollam: Former Travancore Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar has been named as an accused once again in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has now implicated Padmakumar, who is also a CPM Pathanamthitta District Committee member, in the case concerning the gold theft from the Sabarimala ‘Dwarapalaka’ sculpture panels. He was previously charged in the case involving the gold-plated door frame.

This development means that Padmakumar is now an accused in both cases related to the gold theft at Sabarimala. The latest charge pertains to the 2019 incident where the ‘Dwarapalaka’ sculpture panels were allegedly removed and their gold stolen.

Following these new charges, Padmakumar has been remanded for an additional 14 days, with the remand period extending until December 18. His bail application is scheduled to be heard by the court on December 8. Padmakumar was produced before the Kollam Vigilance Court for the extension of his remand period, after which the court issued the order.

In related news, former Devaswom Board Secretary S. Jayashree, who is the fourth accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, and former Administrative Officer S. Sreekumar, the sixth accused, have both been denied anticipatory bail. The High Court rejected their applications for pre-arrest bail.