CPM Leader Accuses Congress of Obstructing Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation
In a significant development, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has asserted that the scope of the Sabarimala gold theft case has broadened considerably, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) now questioning UDF convener Adoor Prakash. Govindan has leveled serious allegations against the Congress party, claiming it is faulting the SIT precisely because the probe has begun to reach its top leaders.
Allegations of Political Interference and Stalling Tactics
Speaking to the media during the Vikasana Munnetta Yatra in Kozhikode on Sunday, Govindan elaborated on his accusations. He stated that the Congress's persistent demand to file the chargesheet immediately is not about seeking justice but is a calculated move to stall the investigation's further progress. Given the expanded scope of the case, this demand appears designed to prevent Congress leaders under scrutiny from being fully brought within the ambit of the probe, he alleged.
Govindan addressed earlier narratives that attempted to portray the CPM as facilitating the entry of key accused Unnikrishnan Potti to Sabarimala. He countered this by revealing that it has since emerged that Potti's access actually occurred during the tenure of AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, who served as the devaswom minister at the time. "It was Potti and the thantri who conspired to carry out the theft," Govindan firmly stated, shifting the focus back to the alleged conspiracy.
Details of Meetings and Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The CPM leader provided further details that he claims implicate Congress figures. He alleged that Adoor Prakash and Congress MP Anto Antony were present alongside Potti and another accused, Govardhan, during a visit to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. According to Govindan, Potti has told investigators that Congress leaders facilitated this meeting, though he has not disclosed its specific purpose to the authorities.
More seriously, Govindan raised questions about a substantial financial transaction involving Anto Antony. He alleged that Antony borrowed a significant sum of Rs 2 crore from a person who has been questioned in connection with the Sabarimala case. Govindan questioned the circumstances under which such a large amount was taken, suggesting potential violations.
"If the money was borrowed for election expenses, it would amount to a violation of election expenditure norms," Govindan asserted. He demanded that Antony clarify whether this transaction was routed through proper banking channels and accounted for appropriately. Otherwise, he warned, it could amount to a black money transaction, adding another layer of alleged financial irregularity to the already complex case.
The allegations mark a sharp escalation in the political dimensions of the Sabarimala gold theft investigation, with the CPM directly accusing the Congress of attempting to sabotage the probe as it closes in on its leaders.
