Is there a Sonia Gandhi Connection in the Sabarimala Gold Heist?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP intensifies allegations against Congress
- Call for central investigation grows
- Sonia Gandhi's involvement raises eyebrows
- International dimensions of the case suggested
- Political ramifications could be significant
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 2 (NationPress) The BJP escalated its criticism of the Congress regarding the Sabarimala gold theft incident on Friday, insisting that a resolution is impossible without an investigation by central agencies. They claim that key Congress figures, including Sonia Gandhi, must address serious allegations.
Former BJP state president K. Surendran stated that the current state-level inquiry is unlikely to reveal the truth, suggesting it is designed to shield those with political clout.
He pointed out that the Kerala High Court initially expressed doubts about the involvement of infamous idol-smuggling networks.
Surendran noted that revelations from Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala have raised concerns that the stolen gold and artifacts might have been funneled into the international antiquities market.
“What was taken is priceless. This extends beyond a local crime; it’s an international idol-smuggling operation,” he asserted.
Surendran highlighted the Congress connection, referencing a photograph of Sonia Gandhi with the prime suspect Unnikrishnan Potti that emerged during investigations.
Initially, there seemed to be no grounds for suspicion as such meetings could seem routine. However, he accused senior Congress leaders, including Chennithala and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, of slowly distancing themselves as public interest grew.
“Why did they withdraw? What are they hiding?” he questioned.
Surendran criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's comments about Sonia Gandhi as mere political tactics and demanded clarity on who introduced the main suspect Unnikrishnan Potti to Congress leaders.
He claimed that individuals related to Sonia Gandhi in Italy are implicated in the antiquities trade, arguing that this international aspect necessitates a thorough investigation by central agencies.
Surendran suggested that Chennithala may not have initially recognized the situation's gravity but later “entangled himself” with partial disclosures.
“If he has information, why is he not standing firmly by it?” he questioned, accusing Congress of being evasive and selectively silent.
In a sardonic remark, he suggested that if the current narrative blames CPI(M) leaders for the theft, it may need to be revised to implicate Congress in the sale.
“Congress has a significant stake in this matter and cannot escape responsibility,” he stated.
Surendran also identified former Travancore Devaswom Board member K.P. Shankardas as a crucial player who, he claims, enjoys high-level protection and has evaded scrutiny.
He alleged that arrests of significant figures have only occurred under stringent court orders and criticized alterations to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following the questioning of former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, claiming that officers sympathetic to CPI(M) were later appointed.
All these elements, he asserted, highlight the pressing need for an exhaustive inquiry by central agencies.