Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Sabarimala gold theft investigation has taken a significant turn, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now considering additional arrests following pivotal disclosures from the detained former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), A. Padmakumar.

Currently held by the SIT, the ex-CPI-M lawmaker Padmakumar is scheduled to be presented in front of the Kollam court later on Thursday. His statement appears to implicate former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI-M Legislator Kadakampally Surendran, along with senior priest (Tantri) Kantararu Rajeevar.

Padmakumar has allegedly indicated that the accused Unnikrishnan Potti had substantial support from both the Tantri and officials at Sabarimala.

He mentioned that Potti’s ascent in the temple administration was aided by Rajeevar, asserting that Potti had established connections with the then Devaswom Minister Surendran long before Padmakumar met him.

According to sources from the SIT, these explosive revelations will be presented to the Kerala High Court, potentially leading to more arrests.

However, Padmakumar has refuted claims of any gold theft, insisting that materials from the temple were merely removed for maintenance, polishing, and restoration purposes.

He stated that gold-plated panels, door frames, decorative plates, and Dwarapalaka structures were taken from the shrine due to the sanctum (Sannidhanam) not being suitable for such work.

Padmakumar emphasized that officials were ordered to meticulously document weights and measurements before removal, though inconsistencies persist, particularly regarding records mislabeling materials as copper.

He also noted that similar external cladding and repair projects had been executed by previous administrative committees, arguing that the decision was taken collectively with full awareness of all relevant authorities.

As the SIT intensifies its investigation, this politically and spiritually sensitive case is on the brink of a more tumultuous chapter, potentially involving high-ranking religious and administrative figures.

Interestingly, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan has been vocal since the scandal erupted, asserting that Surendran is fully aware of the situation.

"It is common knowledge that the CPI-M will refrain from taking action against Padmakumar, as doing so would lead to a series of CPI-M leaders being incarcerated," Satheesan remarked, adding that no political party, except for the CPI-M, would shield wrongdoers.