The Kerala High Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) an additional one month to continue its probe. The order came from the High Court’s Devaswom Bench, providing crucial breathing space for investigators handling the high-profile case.
The court also set aside the magistrate court’s earlier ruling that an FIR could not be registered—clearing the way for the investigation to move forward without procedural hurdles.
Presenting the third phase of its investigation progress report, the SIT informed the court that several key angles still require deeper scrutiny. The bench acknowledged the need for further inquiry and extended the investigation timeline until the first week of January.
The High Court further noted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may file a fresh plea seeking the Crime Branch FIR and related documents. However, these documents will only be released after hearing the state government’s stance, the court clarified.
The SIT’s updated report includes new findings following the arrest of former Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar. Senior figures, including Unnikrishnan Potti and N. Vasu, have also been arrested earlier in connection with the theft.
The confidential progress report was reviewed in-camera by Justices V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and K. V. Jayakumar. The court’s latest order ensures that the investigation—set to conclude today after a six-week window—can now proceed without disruption.
