Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 (NationPress) As the Kerala High Court deadline looms, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the sensational Sabarimala gold heist has ramped up its efforts. This investigation has sparked a fierce political clash between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

The SIT is tasked with submitting a vital report to the High Court by February 9, which has increased scrutiny on the investigation and fueled accusations from the Opposition that the Pinarayi Vijayan government is attempting to influence the probe.

The UDF has consistently raised concerns in the Kerala Assembly, alleging that the government is applying undue pressure on the SIT at this critical time.

In this tense environment, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made remarks during a political meeting in Pathanamthitta, suggesting a connection between AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal and the main suspect, Unnikrishnan Potti, who appeared in Sabarimala during Venugopal's term as Devaswom Minister in 2004.

This comment ignited a swift political backlash.

In response, Venugopal laughed off the Chief Minister's assertion, stating that Potti only emerged in Sabarimala in 2007, when the Left party was in power. “I feel sorry for Vijayan. He knows he is entangled in this issue and is now trying to ensnare others,” Venugopal remarked.

As the SIT escalates its activities, senior Congress MP and UDF convener Adoor Prakash appeared before the investigation team on Saturday to provide his testimony.

Prakash gained attention after a photograph surfaced showing him and fellow Congress MP Anto Antony alongside Potti and another accused in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, a visual the CPI(M) has used to suggest a connection between Congress leaders and the suspects.

Reacting to this, Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala dismissed Prakash’s questioning as mere political theatrics, explaining that Prakash, a long-serving legislator and former minister from Pathanamthitta, would naturally have encountered Potti.

Chennithala also highlighted that photographs of Chief Minister Vijayan with Potti also exist.

Meanwhile, the SIT is set to record the statement of former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) legislator Kadakampally Surendran on Sunday, marking his second appearance. There are indications that Anto Antony may also be summoned.

Earlier this week, the High Court noted that the SIT's investigation seems to be progressing correctly, despite the escalating political tensions surrounding the case. A total of thirteen individuals have been arrested by the SIT, with four already granted bail. The CPI(M) has been particularly impacted, as four of their leaders remain incarcerated.