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Sabarimala Gold Scandal: Why CPI(M) Minister Faces SIT Questioning

The Sabarimala gold plating scandal has taken a serious political turn with the SIT preparing to question former CPI(M) minister Kadakampally Surendran. This development follows crucial testimony from arrested former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, who claimed the gold sponsorship application was processed through government channels. Investigators believe verifying potential government involvement is essential to understanding what was officially considered an autonomous Board decision. Meanwhile, the former minister maintains his innocence, insisting no related files ever reached him and that the Devaswom Board operates independently.

Key Points: Sabarimala Gold Heist Case CPI(M) Legislator SIT Summons

  • Former Devaswom Board president Padmakumar arrested as sixth accused in gold plating case
  • Testimony reveals sponsorship application routed through government with ministerial consent
  • SIT believes questioning former minister crucial to verify government involvement
  • Political pressure mounts on CPI(M) ahead of pilgrimage season and local elections
2 min read

Sabarimala gold heist case: CPI(M) legislator likely to be called by SIT

SIT moves to question former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran in Sabarimala gold plating scandal following key witness testimony implicating government involvement.

"The file was forwarded to the Board based on government instructions, allegedly with ministerial approval. - Investigation Sources"

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 21

The Sabarimala gold plating scandal has triggered major political tremors in Kerala, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) moves closer to questioning former Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) legislator Kadakampally Surendran.

The development follows revelations made during the interrogation of arrested former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, whose testimony has reportedly implicated the former minister.

Padmakumar, who was arrested as the sixth accused in the case on Thursday, claimed that Unnikrishnan Potti, the sponsor behind the gold plating of the Sreekovil's wooden panels and Dwarapalaka sculptures, had initially submitted his sponsorship request to the government, not directly to the Devaswom Board.

He further stated that the file was forwarded to the Board based on government instructions, allegedly with ministerial approval.

SIT sources confirmed that Padmakumar admitted meeting Potti multiple times at Aranmula and the Devaswom Board headquarters and that he had forwarded Potti's application to the Board, citing ministerial consent.

These details, along with records and officer statements seized from the Devaswom Board office, were instrumental in securing Padmakumar's arrest.

Investigators now believe that questioning Kadakampally Surendran is crucial to verify whether governmental involvement existed in what was officially deemed an autonomous Board decision.

While discussions are reportedly underway to issue a notice summoning Kadakampally, the former minister has firmly denied any wrongdoing.

He reiterated that the Devaswom Board operates independently and that neither the minister nor the department has any authority over its structural or financial decisions.

He insisted no related file had ever reached him and urged that conclusions be left to the chargesheet rather than speculation.

Nevertheless, political pressure on the CPI(M) continues to mount, especially ahead of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season and local body elections.

With two former Board presidents already arrested and Padmakumar, a district committee member and close party aide, now in custody, the opposition alleges deeper political involvement.

CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan dismissed suggestions of party embarrassment, stating that only honest individuals are valued, hinting at possible distancing from the accused.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some action! For too long, political interference in temple affairs has been an open secret. The SIT must investigate thoroughly without any political pressure. Devotees' faith is at stake here.
M
Michael C
As someone who visited Sabarimala last season, this news is shocking. The temple administration needs complete transparency. Hope the investigation brings out the truth, whoever is involved.
S
Suresh O
Let's not jump to conclusions. The minister has denied involvement and we should respect due process. However, if evidence proves wrongdoing, no one should be spared, regardless of political position.
A
Anjali F
The timing is suspicious - right before pilgrimage season and local elections. While investigation is necessary, I hope this isn't being used as political ammunition. The focus should be on temple governance reform.
K
Karthik V
This case shows why we need complete autonomy for temple boards. Political interference in religious institutions always leads to such scandals. Time for systemic change! 🔔

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