Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 29 (NationPress) N. Vijayakumar, a past member of the Travancore Devaswom Board and an influential CPI(M) leader, was apprehended in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft after extensive interrogation at the Crime Branch office on Monday.

Vijayakumar served on the Devaswom Board during the tenure of A. Padmakumar, the former president. His arrest signifies a crucial development in the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft, with authorities now broadening their focus to scrutinize the Board's operations during that time.

Earlier, he appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), expressing what he termed as unbearable pressure, while asserting his innocence and denying any misconduct.

However, investigators allege they have uncovered evidence indicating that Vijayakumar was cognizant of the gold plates being transmitted to Unnikrishnan Potti, a key suspect in the case.

Previously, Vijayakumar had retracted his anticipatory bail request after notable remarks from the Kerala High Court regarding the investigation's trajectory. The court emphasized that all Devaswom Board members held equal accountability in the purported misappropriation of temple assets.

Additionally, the High Court criticized the SIT for a “serious lapse” in failing to extend the investigation to former Board members K.P. Shankardas and Vijayakumar, even after Padmakumar's arrest. Following the court's admonition and the increasing risk of arrest, both Shankardas and Vijayakumar sought anticipatory bail from the Kollam Vigilance Court.

In his statements, Padmakumar has consistently reinforced the idea of collective responsibility, asserting that decisions pertaining to Sabarimala were made collaboratively with the Board and its administrative committee. He has also reportedly informed investigators that numerous decisions were made in accordance with government directives.

The SIT’s arrest of Vijayakumar adds weight to Padmakumar’s assertion that accountability for the alleged missteps was shared among all Board members.

Even after a notice was issued earlier by the SIT, Vijayakumar did not show up for questioning. He was subsequently taken into custody, with his arrest being officially documented. His attorney mentioned that, believing in his innocence and his desire to demonstrate it, he chose to appear before the SIT on Monday.

Moreover, the case has gained further complexity with a non-resident businessman informing investigators of a purported transaction involving Sabarimala temple artefacts between accused Unnikrishnan Potti and D. Mani. The businessman has raised suspicions regarding the potential smuggling of these artefacts overseas.

He conveyed to the SIT that he was initially solicited for the deal in Thiruvananthapuram but opted not to engage, after which the transaction was allegedly rerouted to other parties.

The SIT is currently preparing to interrogate D. Mani as part of their efforts to uncover the whereabouts of the missing artefacts, which include five-metal idols reportedly removed from Sabarimala.

Investigators indicated that the forthcoming days will be critical in ascertaining the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and assigning institutional accountability. With Vijayakumar's arrest, the total number of arrests in this case has escalated to ten, with more anticipated soon.