Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 22 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding the Sabarimala gold heist has escalated as the Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Kerala High Court, prepares to interrogate additional individuals based on the statements from the detained former Devaswom Board president and ex-CPI(M) legislator A. Padmakumar.

Padmakumar claims that the main suspect Unnikrishnan Potti, accused of performing rituals with the gold-plated temple door panels, had solicited sponsorship from former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and other officials.

In a significant 12-hour search at Padmakumar’s residence in Aranmula, investigators confiscated essential documents that the SIT believes will be pivotal to their inquiry.

Actor Jayaram, who participated in a ritual in Chennai involving the gold-plated panels, is set to be questioned as a witness. Jayaram asserts that he attended as an Ayyappa devotee, and neither paid nor received any money, clarifying that the puja occurred at a company site in Ambattur, rather than at his residence. Additionally, singer Veeramani Raju, who performed at the event, will also have his statement documented.

Padmakumar’s account reportedly indicates that the decision to transfer the dismantled sanctum door panels to Potti was not made solely by him, suggesting shared accountability among Devaswom Board officials. Former board members K.P. Sankaradas (CPI) and N. Vijayakumar (CPI-M) have claimed innocence, stating that the contentious decision was added to the board's minutes without their approval.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has opted not to pursue disciplinary action against Padmakumar at this moment, cautious of his potential to implicate senior party leaders. The party leadership, reportedly influenced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has decided to await the SIT’s final report before proceeding.

With local body elections approaching on December 9 and 11, the ruling party is concerned about the political implications, particularly as both Congress and BJP have elevated the gold heist to a key campaign issue. Padmakumar retains significant influence at the grassroots level, complicating the situation for CPI(M).

The SIT is expected to summon more former Devaswom officials, including ex-administrative officer Rajendran. Investigators are examining key evidence suggesting that Padmakumar personally documented in the official minutes the transfer of the temple panels, which were misleadingly referred to as “copper sheets.”

Currently in judicial custody, Padmakumar is anticipated to be returned to SIT custody for further questioning, potentially expanding the investigation to encompass higher-level political and administrative figures. The upcoming days will prove crucial for Surendran and the CPI(M) as the investigation narrows its focus amidst a politically charged atmosphere.