The Kollam Vigilance Court has extended the remand of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prashanth and co-accused Ajikumar until September 1 in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. The duo was produced before the court on Wednesday following the expiry of their previous remand period. Meanwhile, arguments continued on their bail petitions, with the prosecution submitting additional digital and physical evidence linking them to the crime.

During the proceedings, the prosecution produced call details showing that Mr. Prashanth and others had contacted Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused, over phone on the day the decision was taken to grant Smart Creations permission for gold plating. Evidence was also submitted indicating WhatsApp communication with Mr. Potti prior to the board meeting, as well as proof of a direct meeting between Mr. Ajikumar and Mr. Potti.

Furthermore, the prosecution revealed that Mr. Potti had constructed houses for two individuals based on Mr. Ajikumar’s recommendation, with both present at the key handover ceremony of the house. Investigators also pointed out that Mr. Potti submitted the application to transport gold plates using someone else’s email address, a day after the board decision was made.

Ghee scam

Mr. Prashanth and Mr. Ajikumar were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 23. In addition to the gold theft case, both are accused in the Sabarimala ghee procurement scam. Vigilance investigations had revealed severe irregularities in the tender process for purchasing ghee from Milma, pointing to that Mr. Prashanth actively intervened to ensure the contract was awarded to the dairy cooperative.

Published - August 19, 2026 07:45 pm IST