Overview
- The SIT submitted its first interim report in a sealed cover to a division bench that heard the matter in-camera.
- The court directed investigators to examine a larger conspiracy and ascertain the role and complicity of Travancore Devaswom Board officials from the top down.
- Judges ordered seizure of the TDB minutes book and related registers and registered a separate suo motu writ to safeguard the probe’s secrecy.
- Two FIRs are on record under IPC sections for criminal breach of trust and forgery with ten accused named; sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty has been arrested, and investigators report about 4.5 kg of gold missing from the Dwarapalaka coverings.
- The bench flagged perfunctory records, noted an email about retaining 409 grams of extracted gold, and said it was a distinct possibility that idols were re-entrusted in 2025 to conceal pilferage from 2019, with further hearings set in November.