KOLLAM: In a major development in the Sabarimala gold robbery case, former Travancore Devaswom Board President and CPM leader A. Padmakumar has been granted bail. The Kollam Vigilance Court issued a favorable order on his statutory bail plea in the ‘Dwarapalaka sculpture’ case, paving the way for his release from prison.

Padmakumar was granted default bail after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file the charge sheet within the stipulated 90-day remand period. He had already secured conditional bail on February 20 in the first case related to the ‘Kattilappali’. With bail granted in the second case as well, the former board president is expected to walk out of jail soon.

The SIT initially arrested Padmakumar on November 20, 2025, in connection with the Kattilappali case. While he was under remand, his arrest was also recorded in the Dwarapalaka sculpture case on December 4. Following the completion of 90 days in remand in both instances, he approached the court for statutory bail. After hearing detailed arguments over the past few days, the court pronounced its order today.

SIT’s Delay Benefits Accused; 7 Out on Bail

The investigation team’s delay in filing the charge sheet has proved advantageous for the accused. Including Padmakumar, seven individuals connected to the Sabarimala gold robbery have secured bail and walked out of jail so far. Five of them, including the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, received statutory bail.

As the 90-day remand period concludes, the remaining accused are also expected to approach the court for bail. Meanwhile, the Vigilance Court is scheduled to hear a plea on the 5th from Pankaj Bhandari, the owner of Smart Creations who is currently in remand, seeking permission for medical treatment at a private hospital in Chennai.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city was once again steeped in devotion as millions of women gathered to offer the sacred Attukal Pongala today, March 3, 2026. Amidst the sea of devotees lining the streets to seek the blessings of Attukal Bhagavathy, a familiar and much-loved face was present: Malayalam actress and producer Chippy Renjith.

Keeping up with a tradition she has maintained for over two decades, Chippy arrived early to prepare her earthen hearth. For Malayalis, seeing the actress at the festival has become synonymous with the event itself, with fans often fondly noting that she never misses the annual offering.

A Deeply Rooted Spiritual Bond

For Chippy, offering Pongala is more than just a ritual; it is a deeply personal spiritual commitment. She has often stated in the past that she has been taking part in the festival since her childhood. Despite her busy schedule managing television productions and acting, she makes it a priority to clear her calendar for this auspicious day in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.

Sitting patiently by the brick stoves amidst the smoke and the chanting of prayers, the actress reflected the simple, egalitarian spirit of the festival—where celebrities and commoners sit side-by-side on the streets to offer their sweet rice dish to the Mother Goddess.

A Gathering of Mollywood Stars

While the Attukal Pongala is celebrated globally as the largest congregation of women, the temple premises and surrounding streets always attract prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Along with Chippy, other well-known Mollywood personalities, including veteran actresses like Annie and Parvathy Jayaram, are also regular attendees, bringing a touch of star power to the deeply traditional event.

Millions Gather for the 2026 Mahotsavam

The 2026 Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam officially began its main rituals at 9:15 AM today with the traditional lighting of the main hearth (Pandara Aduppu) inside the temple by the chief priest. The flame was then passed down to the millions of earthen pots set up across the city. The city administration, police, and fire rescue departments had put extensive preparations in place to manage the massive influx of devotees, ensuring the festival proceeded smoothly.

As the Nivedyam (blessing of the offering) concludes in the afternoon, thousands of women, including Chippy, will return home carrying the immense satisfaction of having fulfilled their spiritual vow to Attukalamma for another year.