Congress Leader Accuses Kerala Chief Minister of Sabotaging Sabarimala Gold Scam Investigation
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has launched a scathing attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, holding him directly responsible for the significant delays in filing chargesheets in the high-profile Sabarimala gold smuggling case. Speaking to reporters at the District Congress Committee office in Kannur, Chennithala presented a detailed critique of the investigation's progress, or lack thereof.
Allegations of Deliberate Delays and Bail Opportunities
Chennithala asserted that by failing to file even a partial chargesheet, the state's home department, which is under the chief minister's portfolio, has created favorable conditions for the accused to secure statutory bail. "The special investigation team has provided two primary reasons for this unacceptable delay," Chennithala explained. "Firstly, they cite the lack of prosecutorial sanction, and secondly, they mention the non-receipt of the chemical analysis report for the confiscated gold. Both these critical components fall squarely under the jurisdiction of the chief minister, who oversees the home department."
He emphasized that this administrative failure means the chief minister bears full and unequivocal responsibility for both the accused obtaining bail and the subsequent derailment of the entire judicial process. Chennithala drew a sharp contrast with the handling of the actress assault case, where authorities promptly filed a partial chargesheet specifically to prevent the accused from being released on bail.
Suspicions of Political Protection and Investigation Failures
The Congress leader did not mince words when suggesting that the government's inaction in the Sabarimala case appears deliberate and politically motivated. "In this instance, the government has not taken even that basic legal step, which strongly indicates a conscious effort to shield the accused, who are known to be leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist)," Chennithala alleged.
He raised serious questions about the investigation's effectiveness, pointing out that even after four months, the SIT has failed to recover the stolen gold. "Neither the police nor the government has provided any credible answer regarding the whereabouts of the missing gold," he stated, labeling the situation as highly suspicious and indicative of a cover-up.
Opposition's Demands and Planned Protests
Chennithala declared that the opposition Congress party will intensify its agitation both inside and outside the state legislative assembly. The primary demands include:
- The immediate resignation of Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan
- The swift arrest of all individuals truly responsible for the gold smuggling operation
- A transparent and expedited investigation to recover the stolen assets
He criticized the investigation's stagnation, noting that there has been virtually no progress since former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran was questioned. Chennithala vowed that the Congress would continue its protests until justice is served and accountability is established at the highest levels of the Kerala government.
