What New Developments Emerge in the Sabarimala Gold Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Key documents have been seized, indicating possible misconduct by the Devasom Board.
- The Kerala High Court is actively monitoring the investigation for transparency.
- Unnikrishnan Potti's role remains pivotal as the case unfolds.
- Pressure is mounting on both the Devasom Board and the State government.
- The inquiry aims to explore wider conspiracies beyond the immediate theft.
Sabarimala, Oct 22 (NationPress) - The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken possession of the Travancore Devasom Board's minutes book from 2019, which includes the decision to transfer gold sheets and plating materials to the now-detained Unnikrishnan Potti.
This seizure marks a significant development in the investigation regarding the purported embezzlement of gold intended for plating the Sabarimala temple's revered structures.
A report presented to the Kerala High Court by the SIT indicates that members and staff of the Devasom Board acted on behalf of specific individuals, with clear signs of manipulation found within the official documents.
Key evidence uncovered during the verification process has highlighted various irregularities.
The SIT also noted the Board's hesitance in providing records, which were only produced after multiple requests.
With the court observing that even the current Board seemed to have attempted to hide the theft, both the Devasom Board and the State government are now facing scrutiny.
The investigation continues in an effort to locate those accountable for the missing gold.
The situation escalated after the High Court suggested that the concealment of the 2019 gold loss was intentional, and that this year's gold-plating was once again awarded to the same contractor, Unnikrishnan Potti.
The court has mandated that the inquiry should not only focus on the misappropriation related to the Dwarapalaka panels and side panels but should also seek to unveil the broader conspiracy surrounding this incident.
In light of the court's remarks, the direction of the Sabarimala gold theft investigation has taken a dramatic turn, placing increased pressure on the Devasom Board and the government to conduct a transparent and accountable inquiry.
In a recent development, a delegation of senior Kerala BJP leaders met with visiting President Droupadi Murmu at the Raj Bhavan, where she is currently residing.
On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu will visit the renowned Sabarimala temple, becoming only the second President of India to do so, following V.V. Giri, the first to pay homage at Lord Ayyappa's sacred site.