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Kerala Health and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Sunday said former board member Ajikumar was granted bail in the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case on medical grounds, while stressing that the investigation should proceed under the direction of the High Court.
Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan said Ajikumar was granted bail because of his heart condition. "He got bail only because he is a heart patient," the minister said. Muraleedharan said the government's position was that all proceedings in the case should be carried out by the Vigilance Department in accordance with the directions of the Kerala High Court. "However, our position is that all activities should be conducted by the Vigilance Department under the direction of the High Court," he said. The minister added that if there is any discrepancy between the High Court's directions and the manner in which the Vigilance Department proceeds with the investigation, the government would consider transferring the matter to the Crime Branch. "If there is any gap between the High Court's order and the Vigilance Department's actions, we will proceed to the Crime Branch," Muraleedharan said. The remarks come amid an ongoing probe into allegations of gold theft linked to the Sabarimala temple administration. The investigation has brought scrutiny to the handling of temple valuables and the role of officials and former board members associated with the temple administration. The minister's statement also underlined the government's intention to ensure that the investigation remains within the framework laid down by the High Court. The bail granted to Ajikumar has become a point of discussion in the case, with the minister clarifying that the relief was linked to the accused's reported medical condition rather than the merits of the allegations against him. The Vigilance Department is currently expected to proceed with the investigation in accordance with the court's directions, while the government has indicated that further action, including involvement of the Crime Branch, could be considered if required. The alleged theft of gold and other valuables from the Sabarimala temple has attracted significant attention given the religious and administrative importance of the shrine. The investigation is expected to examine the movement, custody and handling of temple valuables and establish responsibility for any alleged irregularities. (ANI)
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