Is the CPI-M Responsible for the Sabarimala Gold Heist Following Vasu's Arrest?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vasu's arrest links CPI-M to the gold heist.
- Political patronage alleged in the theft.
- Congress demands accountability and thorough investigation.
- Judicial oversight critical to uncovering the truth.
- Potential implications for the Kerala government.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 (NationPress) The Congress party has accused the Kerala government of being directly involved in the Sabarimala gold heist, asserting that the third accused in the case, N. Vasu, operated with the political backing of CPI-M leadership.
On Tuesday evening, Vasu's arrest was executed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the Kerala High Court, after which he was presented before the local court in Pathanamthitta district, where he was remanded to judicial custody until November 24.
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President and MLA, A.P. Anil Kumar, stated that the CPI-M cannot evade moral and political accountability for the extensive theft that occurred under the management of the State Devaswom Board.
“Vasu is not an outsider but a committed CPI-M member and one of the most trusted figures in the state committee. His appointments to significant positions, from the Nayanar Cabinet to the present Pinarayi Vijayan government, were never coincidental. Every prominent position he held, including his role as President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, was a political directive from the CPI-M,” Anil Kumar claimed.
He emphasized that Vasu was the critical connection between the CPI-M and the gold heist, which has significantly tarnished the administration's reputation.
The Congress leader also accused former Devaswom Minister and senior legislator Kadakampally Surendran and State Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan of being complicit in the incident.
“Their involvement must be thoroughly investigated, and both should be included in the inquiry,” Anil Kumar insisted.
He alleged that the CPI-M government is protecting those implicated in the gold heist, stating that the truth came to light only because the investigation was conducted under the direct oversight of the Kerala High Court.
“It is due to judicial scrutiny that the investigation, despite delays, ultimately identified the true culprits,” he added.
He also urged Vasavan to accept moral responsibility and resign from the Cabinet immediately.
Anil Kumar remarked that the CPI-M's criticism of the court indicates the party's concern that the investigation might implicate top leaders.
“The UDF has long asserted that this is not a government but a regime of thieves. The unfolding events only validate that claim,” he concluded.