Who is the 'Subhash Kapoor' in the Sabarimala gold heist?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- P.C. Vishnunadh demands identification of the figure known as Subhash Kapoor.
- The Kerala High Court has drawn parallels to an international art smuggler.
- Congress plans a protest to demand accountability from political figures.
- Allegations of a larger network within the Devaswom Board are emerging.
- The investigation is crucial for restoring public trust.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 (NationPress) P.C. Vishnunadh, the Working President of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and an MLA, has made a call to unmask the individual known as "Subhash Kapoor" in relation to the Sabarimala gold heist case.
Vishnunadh noted that the Kerala High Court highlighted parallels between the Sabarimala theft and the activities of Subhash Kapoor, a well-known international smuggler of temple art.
He stated, "It is crucial to identify who the Subhash Kapoor of Sabarimala is."
He accused the ongoing investigation of only reaching a few officials, while a broader organized network, which includes the Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar, its members, and Minister V.N. Vasavan, remains unaffected.
Interestingly, right after Vishnunadh's press conference, it was reported that former Devaswom Board Commissioner and President N. Vasu was apprehended by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the Sabarimala gold heist.
The Congress party has been vigorously criticizing the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government for allegedly protecting politically connected individuals. They are planning a large protest in front of the State Secretariat on Wednesday, demanding the arrest of all involved in the Sabarimala gold theft and the resignation of the current Devaswom Minister, Vasavan.
Vishnunadh emphasized that the High Court's ruling had clearly pointed to the involvement of the Devaswom Board, whose term concluded on Monday, along with Minister Vasavan.
He referenced a letter from the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Baiju to the Devaswom Secretary K. Jayakumar dated September 3, 2024, which mentioned damage to the 'Dwarapalaka' (door guardian) sculptures and urged urgent repairs before the pilgrimage season.
Despite plans being made, no repairs were conducted prior to the season, indicating that the "emergency" was fabricated.
Once again this year, the outgoing Devaswom Board created a false sense of urgency, sending sacred sculptures for repair, fully aware of the court's clear directive against removing holy artifacts from temple grounds.
Vishnunadh asserted that the State Devaswom Board had sufficient time from January to November 2025 to carry out necessary repairs within the 'Sannidhanam' area.
"Despite being aware of the court's orders, the Board undertook actions that contravened them," he alleged.
He charged that the Devaswom Board from that time and the Minister were directly implicated in the gold heist.
The protest will be spearheaded by top Congress leaders, including AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and AICC leaders Deepa Das Munshi, Ramesh Chennithala, Kodikunnil Suresh, and UDF Convener Adoor Prakash.