Is a CBI Investigation Needed in the Sabarimala Gold Heist Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kerala CM Vijayan sees no need for a CBI probe into the Sabarimala case.
- The High Court-monitored SIT is viewed as effective.
- Political parties are demanding a CBI investigation.
- Ongoing investigation is gaining public trust.
- Vijayan defends his administration against claims of interference.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 (NationPress) - Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Thursday that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Sabarimala gold heist case is unnecessary at this moment. He emphasized that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is being monitored by the High Court, is progressing effectively and has garnered significant public trust.
Both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) have called for a CBI investigation into this matter.
In a media briefing, Chief Minister Vijayan stated that the investigation is under the strict oversight of the Kerala High Court and that the SIT is executing its duties competently.
"This government was the one that proposed a High Court-supervised investigation. Neither the Chief Minister nor the Chief Minister's Office is involved in the investigative process," he remarked, rejecting claims of political interference as unfounded.
He further mentioned that the SIT will determine whom to interrogate based solely on the evidence collected during the investigation.
"The government has no influence on who should be called in for questioning. The SIT is responsible for gathering substantial information and will act accordingly," he stated, asserting that a CBI inquiry is not necessary at this time as the ongoing investigation is on track.
Chief Minister Vijayan addressed questions about a controversial photo linked to the case. The image features Congress MP Adoor Prakash, along with other notable individuals, including the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and another jeweler currently imprisoned, alongside Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
Prakash claimed that the Chief Minister's political secretary, P. Sasi, was responsible for rumors that he would be questioned by the SIT.
Vijayan stated that the public is curious about how these individuals were able to be photographed with a prominent figure like Sonia Gandhi.
"With inquiries arising about how these individuals gained proximity to Sonia Gandhi and the MPs' involvement, no clarifications have been provided by those involved," Vijayan noted, reiterating that the state government has no secrets and is uninvolved in the investigation.
In response to comments made by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan, who claimed that the Communist Party of India (CPI) is not trustworthy, Chief Minister Vijayan firmly rejected this assertion.
He asserted that the CPI-M maintains a strong relationship with its key ally, CPI. "They are our long-standing partners. There are no trust issues whatsoever," the Chief Minister affirmed, maintaining that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) remains cohesive and stable.