A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Sabarimala gold smuggling case has intensified its inquiry, questioning two former ministers who held charge of the Devaswom portfolio. The development marks a significant escalation in the investigation into the alleged pilferage of gold meant for the sacred temple.
Former Ministers Face SIT Interrogation
The SIT, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) R Nishad, questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran for over seven hours on Tuesday. Surendran, a senior CPI(M) leader, held the portfolio from 2016 to 2021 under the previous LDF government. Following him, the team also recorded the statement of P K Jayalakshmi, who served as the Devaswom Minister in the subsequent Congress-led UDF government from 2011 to 2016.
The questioning focused on the administrative procedures and safeguards that were in place during their respective tenures regarding the handling of gold and other valuable offerings at the Sabarimala temple. Investigators sought to understand the chain of command and the existing protocols to identify where the system may have failed, allowing the alleged smuggling to occur.
The Core of the Gold Smuggling Case
The case came to light following a complaint by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple. The board alleged that a substantial quantity of gold, meant for coating the temple's flag mast (dhwajam), had gone missing. The gold was part of offerings made by devotees.
Initial investigations suggest a well-organized racket where gold was systematically smuggled out over a period. The SIT is scrutinizing the roles of several individuals, including former Devaswom Board officials and employees. The probe aims to trace the entire pipeline, from the initial diversion of the gold to its eventual sale and the beneficiaries of the illicit proceeds.
Probe Timeline and Political Repercussions
The SIT's move to question high-profile former ministers indicates the probe is reaching higher administrative and political levels. The questioning of leaders from both the LDF and UDF alliances underscores the trans-political nature of the investigation. The case has already sparked a political firestorm in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding a thorough and impartial investigation.
This scandal has raised serious questions about the security and management of invaluable assets in one of India's richest and most revered temples. Devotees and the public are awaiting answers on how such a breach could happen under the watch of successive governments.
The SIT is expected to continue its investigation by examining more officials and analyzing financial trails. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for the state's political landscape and the administrative overhaul of temple asset management.
