Overview
- An Inquiry Commissioner and Special Vigilance Judge in Kollam remanded former TDB president A. Padmakumar to the SIT’s police custody until Friday for further interrogation.
- The SIT recorded statements from tantris Kandararu Rajeevaru and Kandararu Mohanaru, with the priests reportedly saying their role was limited to ritual sanction for repairs and that they were unaware of external transport of panels.
- Investigators allege wilful miscategorisation of gilded panels as pure copper, prolonged private custody by main accused Unnikrishnan Potti for about 42 days, and the chartering of artefacts to wealthy devotees.
- Kerala High Court orally granted interim protection from arrest to former TDB administrative officer S. Sreekumar while adjourning his anticipatory bail plea to Friday.
- Political stakes are rising for the ruling CPI(M) as Padmakumar’s custodial questioning proceeds, with some reports suggesting scrutiny could extend to a former Devaswom minister depending on statements.