Is CM Vijayan Manipulating the Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of Interference: CM Vijayan accused of obstructing the SIT investigation.
- Political Tensions: Rising tensions between CPI(M) and opposition parties in Kerala.
- Focus of Investigation: SIT aiming to uncover the true details of the gold theft.
- Judicial Oversight: Previous thefts were revealed due to court interventions.
- Potential Legal Consequences: More CPI(M) leaders could face legal scrutiny.
Kochi, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V. D. Satheesan, has fiercely criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, claiming that the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) is actively meddling in the investigation led by the High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case, which contradicts the Chief Minister's public statements.
Satheesan rejected CM Vijayan's statements that the investigation is proceeding without interference, alleging that the CMO has repeatedly attempted to undermine the inquiry by applying pressure on the SIT.
He indicated that the recent appointment of two officials purportedly linked to the CPI(M) in the SIT serves as evidence of a deliberate attempt to infiltrate the investigation and disclose sensitive information to the ruling party. “The government's objective is to protect senior CPI(M) leaders from facing legal consequences,” Satheesan remarked.
He emphasized that the SIT's focus is not solely on those who merely appeared in photographs with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, but rather on uncovering who stole the gold from Sabarimala, the location of its sale, and the origins of the Dwarapalaka sculpture donation.
“Just appearing in a photograph does not make someone an accused,” Satheesan added, noting that three CPI(M) leaders are currently incarcerated, with more potentially facing similar fates.
Regarding the Chief Minister's assertions about resisting the RSS, Satheesan characterized these claims as “political theatrics,” referencing previous instances that suggest collaboration with the BJP.
He pointed out that the disruption of the Thrissur Pooram has indirectly benefited BJP candidate Suresh Gopi, a point even the CPI has hinted at by suggesting a conspiracy.
Satheesan also highlighted that a series of thefts dating back to 2019 were only revealed through judicial intervention, cautioning that even the Ayyappa idol could have been compromised otherwise.
“If questioning is based on connections to the accused, then the Chief Minister should also be scrutinized,” he stated, noting that Vijayan has also been photographed with Potti.
In related news, the SIT is set to inform the High Court on Monday that a CBI investigation is unnecessary regarding a petition filed by State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Additionally, one of the accused currently incarcerated, N. Vasu, a CPI(M) leader who previously held both the Commissioner and President positions of the Travancore Devasom Board, has submitted a request for bail following the Kerala High Court's rejection of the same.