Sabarimala Gold Loss: Kerala HC Rejects Pankaj Bhandari’s Plea Against Arrest

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday rejected the plea filed by Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Chennai-based Smart Creations, challenging his arrest in the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple. Justice A. Badharudeen dismissed the petition, in which Bhandari had also sought release from custody. The detailed order of the court is awaited.

Bhandari was arrested in connection with the alleged loss of gold entrusted for electroplating the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the Lord Ayyappa shrine. The Special Investigation Team, which is probing the case, has alleged that Bhandari and Ballari-based jeweller Govardhan Roddam played a key role in a conspiracy to steal gold from the temple artefacts. According to the investigation team, the two, along with first accused Unnikrishnan Potty, misused the gold that had been handed over to them for gold-plating work.

The SIT has claimed that the gold was entrusted for electroplating purposes but was diverted as part of a planned conspiracy. Further investigation in the case is continuing.