Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala Court Grants Statutory Bail To Former Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar In Doorframe Case
Anamika MJ
20 Feb 2026 10:05 PM IST
The Court of the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Kollam on Friday (20 February) granted bail to 8th accused and former Travancore Devaswom Board President, A. Padmakumar, in the case relating to the misappropriation of gold from the doorframes of the Sreekovil of Sabarimala temple.
Dr. Mohit C S, Special Judge, passed the order granting him statutory bail since the Special Investigation Team failed to file a final report in the case within 90 days of his arrest.
Padmakumar has not been granted bail in the Dwarapalaka idols case in which he is arrayed as the 11th accused.
The prosecution allegation is that Padmakumar conspired with the other accused in the misappropriation of gold from the doorframes of the Sabarimala temple while holding a public post. The specific allegation is that Padmakumar, as President, permitted to carry out the repair/re-plating works on the doorframes in contravention of the Maramath procedure and the Devaswom Manuals.
He was arrested in relation to the crime on November 20 and has been in custody since then.
Previously, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, K.S. Baiju was also granted statutory bail in the door frame case but remains to be in detention since bail has not been granted in the Dwarapalaka idols case.
Presently, Unnikrishnan Potty, Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, Murari Babu, N. Vasu and S. Sreekumar are the accused who are out on bail.
Case No: Crl. M P 121/ 2026