Kochi

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday turned down the bail requests of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president A. Padmakumar and two others in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft cases.

Justice A. Badharudeen refused to grant bail to Padmakumar, former TDB administrative officer B. Murari Babu, and jeweller Roddam Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan, who is based in Ballari, Karnataka. Detailed orders explaining the court’s reasoning are awaited.

Murari Babu had previously been denied bail in December 2025 and had renewed his plea in January.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. To date, 12 individuals, including two former TDB presidents, have been arrested in connection with the two cases.

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The cases have drawn widespread attention due to the temple’s religious significance and the alleged involvement of senior officials, highlighting concerns over security and administrative oversight in managing temple assets.