Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday strongly endorsed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Sabarimala gold theft case, stating that the investigation is proceeding in the right direction and assuring that no accused will be allowed to go scot-free.
The SIT was constituted by the High Court itself, which also selected the members of the team now conducting the probe.
Making significant observations, the court emphasised that the entire investigation is being carried out under its close supervision and urged petitioners seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry to grant the SIT additional time to complete its work.
The bench was hearing petitions filed by Bharatiya Janata Party state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and several organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which sought transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the wider implications of the case.
Dismissing the concerns raised by the petitioners, the High Court clarified that the grant of statutory bail to some accused would not hamper the investigation in any manner.
Describing the Sabarimala gold smuggling case as “extraordinary” and “highly complex”, the court noted that the SIT is examining multiple layers of transactions and individuals, a process that requires careful and detailed scrutiny.
The judges further observed that statutory bail granted after the mandatory 90-day period does not, by itself, weaken the prosecution’s case or allow the accused to evade accountability.
“No accused will be allowed to go scot-free,” the court asserted unequivocally.
Of the 13 persons arrested so far, three have been granted bail, while the remaining accused are also expected to approach the court seeking bail.
The High Court also pointed out that every procedural and substantive aspect of the investigation is being closely monitored, effectively ruling out any possibility of laxity or external interference.
Stressing the need for judicial patience in cases of such magnitude, the bench reiterated that investigators must be given sufficient time to uncover the full extent of the alleged crime.
The court’s firm backing of the SIT is being seen as a major morale boost for the investigating agency, particularly amid mounting political pressure and intense protests by the Opposition inside the State Assembly, where the credibility and pace of the probe have been questioned.
With IANS inputs