Kollam: Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu has been denied bail in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The Vigilance Court in Kollam rejected the bail application submitted by Vasu. He will now have to approach the High Court if he wishes to seek bail.

In his bail plea, Vasu argued that he was not guilty in the case. However, the prosecution contended that he is an influential individual and may attempt to influence witnesses or destroy evidence if granted bail. The court rejected his plea after considering the prosecution’s argument.

Meanwhile, the judicial custody of another accused, former TDB president A Padmakumar, ends on Wednesday. He will be produced before the court. The court will also hear the bail application of another accused, former executive officer Sudheesh Kumar, on Monday.

Those arrested so far in connection with the Sabarimala gold heist include Unnikrishnan Potti, former Devaswom Board administrative officer Murari Babu, former executive officer D Sudheesh Kumar, former Devaswom commissioner and president N Vasu, and former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar.