Ex-TDB chief N. Vasu granted statutory bail in Sabarimala gold case
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Kollam: A Kollam vigilance court on Wednesday granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President and Commissioner N. Vasu in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, after the SIT failed to file charges within 90 days of his November 11, 2025 arrest.
The CPI-M leader, third accused in the gold-plating irregularities probe, becomes the fifth to secure bail, following prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and Murari Babu. He will be released post-formalities from Poojappura Central Jail's hospital block, where health issues kept him since arrest.
The case alleges gold plates were logged as copper during Vasu's tenure and placed on Board agendas, part of broader temple asset misuse. SIT cited delays in scientific reports for missing the charge sheet deadline.
Vasu forwarded Potti's letter seeking gold use for a wedding, despite awareness of excess holdings, without action, per investigators. He denies wrongdoing, insisting no plates vanished on his watch.
Court extended remand for co-accused Pankaj Bhandari, Govardhan, and K.S. Baiju by 14 days. Earlier handcuffing during Vasu's remand hearing had sparked row; the bench noted unequal treatment untenable.
(Inputs from IANS)