Did CM Vijayan's Office Fabricate Sabarimala Gold Theft Claims?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 1 (NationPress) The office of the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday vehemently denied assertions made by UDF convener and Congress MP Adoor Prakash that reports suggesting the Special Investigation Team (SIT) might summon him in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case were concocted by the Chief Minister's Office or his political secretary, P. Sasi. The CMO labeled the claim as "entirely unfounded and factually incorrect".
In an official announcement, the CMO stated that the Kerala High Court had designated the SIT to operate under the oversight of a Division Bench.
The investigation findings are directly submitted to the High Court, which has imposed stringent directives that prohibit any disclosure of case details.
"Neither the Chief Minister's Office nor the political secretary is involved in the investigation or in disseminating information related to it," the release clarified.
However, the Leader of the Opposition, V. D. Satheesan, raised questions about the narrative, inquiring if Adoor Prakash was serving as a minister during the time the Sabarimala theft occurred.
He pointed out that Kadakampally Surendran's questioning was conducted privately while rumors circulated suggesting that Prakash could be summoned.
Satheesan asserted that if the police request his appearance for evidence or testimony, he would comply.
He also noted that when Pinarayi Vijayan was the Chief Minister and CPI(M) leaders held roles in the Devaswom Board, it was alleged that CPI(M) leadership, not the Congress, misappropriated gold, suggesting that the recent claims are attempts to "balance" this reality.
In response, Prakash informed the media that should he receive a notice to appear before the SIT, he would first inform the media and encourage them to accompany him.
"I have no involvement in this and will attend if a notice is issued. What do I stand to gain from this?" he questioned.
The Sabarimala gold theft case, which has uncovered a theft of gold from numerous sacred sites, continues to escalate politically.
The SIT's court-monitored investigation is still underway, with further reports and inquiries anticipated shortly.
While the government maintains its non-involvement in the probe, this controversy highlights the growing tension between judicial processes and political narratives, as both sides strive to influence public perception while the High Court-supervised investigation progresses.