Is the Sabarimala gold heist probe being stalled to protect influential figures?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Sabarimala gold heist investigation is mired in controversy as the Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, claims that powerful individuals are being shielded. With the Kerala High Court's recent remarks about the involvement of influential figures, the political ramifications are significant. Will justice be served in this high-profile case?
Key Takeaways
- V.D. Satheesan criticizes the government for delaying the investigation.
- The Kerala High Court indicates involvement of powerful figures.
- Political ramifications are significant as more leaders may be implicated.
- The investigation raises questions about accountability in politics.
- Congress plans to focus on this issue in upcoming elections.
Thiruvananthapuram, December 5 (NationPress) V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, criticized the Vijayan administration after the Kerala High Court denied bail to key suspects in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case. The court made pointed remarks suggesting the involvement of “powerful individuals” who have yet to be investigated.
Satheesan noted that the court's observations highlighted that behind those arrested, including Unnikrishnan Potty, there are “bigger guns”—individuals who hold considerably more influence than those currently detained.
He emphasized that among the names mentioned in testimony to investigators were former and current Devaswom Ministers and a senior figure referred to as 'god-like' by Padmakumar and others.
Satheesan remarked that the High Court’s statements imply that the “wave of CPI(M) leaders heading to incarceration has only just started”.
“Even with two prominent CPI(M) officials already in judicial custody, the party leadership maintains that no disciplinary measures will be taken until the legal proceedings conclude. They hesitate to act even against those implicated in the theft of Lord Ayyappa’s gold. The party fears what revelations may come from those incarcerated,” Satheesan further stated.
“It is now evident that the Dwarapalaka idol of Lord Ayyappa was stolen from the temple complex, sold to a wealthy individual, and replaced with a forged mold. Transactions involving the idol and the related gold reportedly amounted to crores of rupees. A. Padmakumar, the former Travancore Devaswom Board president, is also implicated in this smuggling network, escalating the political ramifications,” he added.
“The Special Investigation Team is under considerable pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office, which has allegedly instructed that former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran should not be questioned until after the Lok Sabha elections. Several former Devaswom Board presidents have already implicated him, and we possess evidence of his connections with Unnikrishnan Potty. This is the reason for the delay in questioning, despite the court's order to investigate the larger conspiracy,” Satheesan explained.
The Congress party asserted that the Sabarimala gold heist will be a major issue in the upcoming campaigns, stating they will enter the elections “with confidence.” They further indicated that every charge sheet filed in this matter will be scrutinized in court, insisting that the people of Kerala would not accept any attempts to undermine or prolong the investigation.
Point of View
The situation surrounding the Sabarimala gold heist is indicative of deeper systemic issues within political structures. The allegations of shielding influential figures from investigation highlight the need for accountability and transparency in governance. As the nation watches, it is crucial that the legal processes are allowed to unfold without interference, ensuring justice is served.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sabarimala gold heist case?
The Sabarimala gold heist case involves the alleged theft and smuggling of gold associated with the Hindu temple of Sabarimala, with accusations pointing towards influential political figures.
Who is V.D. Satheesan?
V.D. Satheesan is the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly and has been vocal in criticizing the government regarding the Sabarimala gold heist investigation.
What did the Kerala High Court say about the case?
The Kerala High Court denied bail to key accused in the case and made remarks suggesting that there are more influential individuals involved who have yet to be investigated.
What are the implications of this case?
The implications of this case extend beyond legal consequences; it raises questions about political accountability and the integrity of the justice system in Kerala.
How is the Congress party involved?
The Congress party is positioning the Sabarimala gold heist as a central issue in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for transparency and thorough investigation.
