Alappuzha, Dec 23 (NationPress) Veteran Congress figure and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday strongly criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan administration and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the disappearance of gold from Sabarimala. He cautioned that the inquiry is at a decisive point with only three weeks remaining before the SIT's mandate concludes.

Chennithala emphasized that the SIT's main duty is to recover the missing gold, a goal that remains unmet despite arrests in the case.

“In a standard criminal investigation, after arrests are made, the focus shifts to recovering the stolen assets. This has not occurred here,” he stated, questioning the absence of recovery efforts for the gold.

He raised significant doubts about the authenticity of claims that gold retrieved from certain jewelry outlets is connected to the Sabarimala case.

He mentioned that there was confusion regarding whether the confiscated gold is actually the missing shipment.

As per his sources, the gold was allegedly sold internationally as antiques, yielding over Rs 500 crore.

Chennithala noted that he provided this intelligence, along with complete details of the informant, to the SIT, which led to the questioning of the individual involved.

However, it remains unclear if the investigation is being pursued in this direction.

Citing recent comments from the Kerala High Court, Chennithala pointed out that the court noted the “big sharks” behind the crime are still unaccounted for, and there is a noticeable stagnation in the SIT's operations.

With the deadline approaching, he urged the agency to urgently enhance its efforts to unveil the international connections linked to the alleged smuggling and hold accountable those who protected and assisted the actual offenders.

The Congress leader also accused the ruling CPI(M) of providing cover for the accused.

He highlighted that despite the arrest of former Devaswom Board presidents, the party has refrained from taking any disciplinary measures.

“The ongoing protection is motivated by the fear that further evidence may emerge if actions are initiated,” he alleged, directing his comments toward CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan.

Linking the current case to previous attempts to auction temple antiquities, Chennithala recalled that during his time as Leader of the Opposition, he had opposed any moves to sell invaluable artefacts from the Travancore Devaswom Board temples.

He asserted that sustained advocacy had previously thwarted the sale of those antiques.

Highlighting the magnitude of the alleged crime, Chennithala stated that while the local value of the 30.8 kg of missing gold is approximately Rs 50 crore, its value in the international antique market exceeds Rs 500 crore.

He added that even the High Court had expressed concerns regarding the potential involvement of notorious antique smugglers, including Subhash Kapoor.

Alleging administrative interference aimed at shielding the accused, Chennithala demanded that the government guarantee an open investigation, especially since the SIT operates under judicial supervision, and promptly present the truth to the public.