HC declines CBI probe in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala High Court on Friday declined to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged gold theft linked to the famed Sabarimala Temple, observing that the ongoing probe is being conducted by a competent investigating officer under judicial supervision and does not warrant intervention at this stage.

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The Bench noted that the investigation is currently being handled by "one of the best investigating officers in the state," indicating that there is no immediate reason for the court to step in or shift the probe to a central agency.

The observation came while a Devaswom Bench of the High Court was considering a petition seeking transfer of the investigation to the CBI in the case.

The court emphasised that judicial intervention in an ongoing investigation is warranted only under exceptional circumstances.