Overview
- The Special Investigation Team moved the Kerala High Court to cancel the bail of Kandararu Rajeevaru and to expunge trial-court remarks that it says undermine the probe.
- The vigilance court granted him bail on February 18 after finding little prima facie evidence, a view the SIT disputes while alleging his 2019 opinion and mahazar actions enabled the artefacts’ removal.
- The High Court said it will not order a CBI inquiry at this stage, noting a meticulous investigation by a competent officer under judicial monitoring.
- Samples have been sent to the National Metallurgical Laboratory and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre for ultra-trace analysis, with reports expected soon after 36 samples were submitted.
- Nine of the 13 accused named across the two SIT charge sheets have secured bail as the state also plans to challenge the tantri’s bail in the doorframe case.