The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Pankaj Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of Chennai-based Smart Creations, challenging his arrest in the high-profile case involving the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple.
Justice A Badharudeen, while refusing the plea, also declined Bhandari’s request for release from custody. The detailed order of the court is awaited.
The case stems from allegations that gold entrusted for electroplating sacred artefacts of the Lord Ayyappa temple—including the revered Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum)—was misappropriated.
According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, Bhandari and Govardhan Roddam, a jeweller based in Ballari, played a key role in what it described as a criminal conspiracy to siphon off gold meant for the temple.
The SIT has alleged that the accused, in collusion with Unnikrishnan Potty (the first accused in the case), executed a scheme to steal the gold that was officially handed over for religious and restoration purposes.
