Is the Delay in Potti's Arrest a Move to Shield Big Sharks? Kerala BJP Raises Concerns Over Gold Scam Case
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Synopsis
The ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold plating scam has sparked significant political controversy. Former BJP leader K. Surendran accuses the Kerala government of delaying the arrest of prime suspect Unnikrishnan Potti to protect influential political figures. With calls for a central probe, the situation continues to evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Unnikrishnan Potti is the central figure in the Sabarimala gold plating controversy.
- The Kerala government faces accusations of shielding influential individuals.
- The SIT investigation is ongoing, with Potti's custody secured until October 30.
- Political parties demand accountability and transparency in the investigation.
- Calls for a central agency to oversee the probe have emerged.
Thrissur, Oct 18 (IANS) The apprehension of Unnikrishnan Potti, the key suspect in the Sabarimala gold plating scam, has ignited a political uproar. Former BJP state president K. Surendran claimed on Saturday that the state government has intentionally postponed the arrest to shield high-profile individuals.
Surendran voiced his apprehension that the investigation would merely "scratch the surface" by implicating a few senior officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), while letting those at the apex of the political spectrum go unscathed.
According to him, both former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar and former Commissioner N. Vasu were complicit in these irregularities. "Nothing occurs within the Devaswom Board without the knowledge of the top brass of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The functioning of the party is well-known throughout Kerala," he stated.
Surendran alleged a "systematic plunder" of temple assets, using the recent gold plating at Sabarimala Temple as a case in point for broader malfeasance.
"The government is unaware of the quantity of gold that has vanished. How could the Devaswom Board initiate gold plating without the High Court’s consent? This is a meticulously orchestrated investigation aimed at safeguarding influential political figures," remarked Surendran.
On Saturday, the SIT officers visited Potti's residence on the outskirts of the capital to gather evidence.
He further accused the state government of misleading the High Court and asserted that gold has been illicitly taken from numerous significant temples across Kerala.
Surendran insisted that a central agency should take over the investigation to guarantee transparency, echoing the sentiments of Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan.
The ongoing SIT investigation, initiated under the directions of the High Court, has arrested Potti and secured his custody until October 30.
Thus far, two FIRs have been filed, naming ten accused, including high-ranking TDB officials, yet conspicuously absent are any political figures.
Satheesan has consistently implicated former Devaswom Minister and CPI(M) legislator Kadakampally Surendran, leading the latter to issue a legal notice demanding an apology and threatening a defamation lawsuit of Rs 2 crore.
Both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are calling for the resignation of current Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan and TDB members, along with a central investigation into what they describe as one of the state’s gravest temple gold scams.
Point of View
The allegations surrounding the Sabarimala gold plating scam highlight the complexities of governance and accountability. The demand for a central probe reflects a broader concern for transparency in political processes and the safeguarding of public trust. The political fallout from these events will likely resonate beyond Kerala, raising questions about the integrity of public institutions.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unnikrishnan Potti?
Unnikrishnan Potti is the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold plating scam case, which has raised significant political concerns in Kerala.
What are the allegations against the Kerala government?
Former BJP state president K. Surendran alleges that the Kerala government delayed Potti's arrest to shield influential political figures involved in the scam.
What is the SIT's role in this investigation?
The SIT, or Special Investigation Team, has been constituted under the directions of the High Court to investigate the gold plating scam and has arrested Potti as part of the process.
What is the demand from political parties regarding the investigation?
Both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party are calling for the resignation of current Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan and TDB members, as well as a central probe into the scam.
What concerns have been raised regarding transparency?
Surendran has raised concerns that the investigation may only target lower-ranking officials while protecting those at higher political levels, calling for a more transparent inquiry.
