The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the multi-crore Sabarimala gold smuggling case has intensified its probe, questioning two high-profile figures: former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P S Prasanth. The interrogations, which lasted nearly two hours each, took place on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the politically sensitive investigation.
Questioning Focuses on Ministerial Tenure
Sources indicate the SIT's line of questioning centered on the roles and responsibilities held by Surendran and Prasanth during the period when the alleged pilferage of gold from the hill shrine occurred. Kadakampally Surendran, who served as the Devaswom Minister in 2019, confirmed on Tuesday that the SIT sought clarifications regarding matters from his tenure. He stated he cooperated fully and responded to all queries posed by the investigators.
This development poses a fresh challenge for the ruling CPI(M), which is already reeling from a setback in the recent civic polls. The party has planned a massive statewide outreach program involving house visits from January 15 to 18. The Sabarimala gold scam is anticipated to be a key point of discussion and criticism during these interactions, potentially deepening the party's embarrassment.
Political Repercussions and Judicial Observations
The scandal's political fallout is becoming increasingly evident. The CPI, a Left Front ally, has already pointed fingers at the CPI(M)'s handling of the scam as a reason for the poor electoral performance. Furthermore, suspicions about the involvement of more party leaders and a perceived reluctance to act against those already arrested are compounding the crisis for the leadership.
In a parallel development, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday adjourned the bail pleas of former TDB president A Padmakumar and Ballari-based jeweller Roddam Pandu Rangaiah Naga Govardhan to January 6. During the hearing, Justice Jobin Sebastian made a crucial observation, noting allegations of "serious stagnation" in the SIT's investigation. The judge remarked that the probe had yet to reach the 'big guns' involved in the case.
Padmakumar is the eighth accused, alleged to have aided in the misappropriation of gold, while Govardhan is accused of directly misappropriating temple gold and accepting 474.97 grams of gold extracted from the coverings of the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols.
New Witnesses and Expanded SIT
Adding another layer to the complex probe, D Mani, also known as M S Mani, a Dindigul-based businessman with alleged links to international antique dealers, appeared before the SIT on Tuesday. He arrived at the Enchakkal office with his lawyers. His associate, Balamurugan, was also summoned and questioned earlier. The SIT called them based on statements provided by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and another businessman regarding alleged gold smuggling links in the case.
Meanwhile, the High Court granted the state government permission to include two more inspectors in the SIT: V P Sudheesh of the Crime Branch's Palakkad unit and D Shibu Kumar of the Pathanamthitta unit. This move aims to bolster the investigative team's strength.
To date, the SIT has made 10 arrests, including two former TDB presidents, in connection with the theft of gold from the dwarapalaka idols and the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframes at the sacred Sabarimala temple. The investigation continues as pressure mounts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and bring all involved to justice.
