Should any 'Minister' be Protected by Blaming 'Tantri'? K C Venugopal on Sabarimala Probe
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 10 (NationPress) AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal emphasized on Saturday that the inquiry into the Sabarimala gold theft case must not lead to a scenario where a minister is spared by attributing the blame solely to the tantri (priest).
Both the Congress and BJP have raised concerns regarding the scrutiny of senior CPI(M) member Kadakampally Surendran, a former Devasom Minister, despite his earlier questioning and subsequent release by the SIT.
On Friday, the Kerala High Court appointed SIT apprehended the tantri of the Sabarimala temple, Kantarar Rajeevar, bringing the total arrests in the case to 12.
Venugopal noted that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) is vigilantly observing the progress of the investigation.
He stressed that the inquiry must encompass everyone implicated in the Sabarimala gold theft, regardless of their rank or political ties.
He accused the State government of having vested interests that could sway the investigation's trajectory and claimed it is attempting to curtail the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Reiterating that the law is impartial, Venugopal stated that accountability must apply to all.
While acknowledging that the case is under police investigation and judicial review, he refrained from responding to assertions that the tantri was being intentionally framed.
However, he made it clear that the probe should not devolve into scapegoating one individual while allowing the genuine offenders to evade justice.
He alleged that after shielding those responsible for stealing Lord Ayyappa's gold across party lines, the Chief Minister is now delivering moral messages against corruption.
He pointed out that the BJP has remained silent throughout the Sabarimala gold theft case and is only now voicing allegations.
In the latest developments, a team from the SIT visited the residence of the tantri in Chengannur for a routine inspection.
Earlier that day, the tantri, who was detained at the Special sub-jail, was transferred to the Medical College Hospital due to feelings of unease.