SIT must meet Sept 25 deadline in Sabarimala gold case, says Minister

The Kerala government will take further steps if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) fails to file the charge sheet in the Sabarimala gold-loss case within the deadline set by the High Court, Devaswom and Health Minister K Muraleedharan said on Friday.

The SIT is investigating two cases linked to the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol and the doorframes of the Sreekovil, the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple.

Earlier this month, the SIT informed the Kerala High Court that its probe into the alleged loss of gold from the Sreekovil doorframes was nearly complete. The court subsequently directed the investigating team to file the charge sheet on or before September 25.

Recent reports suggested that the SIT could miss the deadline as the investigation was still progressing. Responding to reporters, Muraleedharan said he was aware of the reports and had discussed the matter with the Advocate General.

“I spoke with the Advocate General. I sought legal advice on what steps to take if the charge sheet isn't filed before the court-mandated deadline,” he said.

The minister said the government would decide its next course of action after receiving the Advocate General's opinion. The Advocate General, he added, had indicated that a response would be provided within two days.

“We are not going to sit idle,” Muraleedharan said. The SIT has arrested more than 15 people in connection with the two cases, including Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and three former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

On the recent death of a newborn at Peroorkada government hospital, Muraleedharan said a complaint had been received and an inquiry report submitted. According to him, the report did not establish medical negligence.

He said action would be taken if the government was convinced that negligence had occurred, but cautioned against making allegations without evidence. He also urged people not to spread speculation, adding that any proven fault would invite appropriate action.