Sabarimala Gold Plating Theft Case: SIT Records Tantri’s Statement; CPI(M) Accuses Opposition of Politicising Probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold plating theft case has recorded the preliminary statements of temple tantri Rajeevar and Mohanar. The duo informed the police that they knew Unnikrishnan Potti only in connection with temple-related work and had no other association with him.

The SIT was constituted as per the directions of the High Court. The investigation is led by SP S. Sasidharan, under the supervision of Crime Branch chief and ADGP (Law and Order) H. Venkitesh. A cyber expert has also been included in the team. The High Court has acknowledged that the investigation is being carried out in a free and impartial manner. Additional officers were inducted into the team at various stages with the court’s approval.

Accused arrested in the case so far are:- Unnikrishnan Potti (Sponsor), Murari Babu (Former Administrative Officer, Sabarimala), D. Sudheesh Kumar (Former Executive Officer, Sabarimala), K.S. Baiju (Former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner), N. Vasu (Former President and Commissioner, Travancore Devaswom Board), A. Padmakumar (Former President, Travancore Devaswom Board).

Despite the investigation progressing without favouritism, BJP and the opposition are attempting to use the case to tarnish the ruling LDF and the state government, CPI(M) has alleged.

CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan said the police investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case has been effective and that the party fully supports the probe. He stressed that the culprits—whoever they may be—must be brought to justice. Govindan added that from the very beginning, the party had made it clear that not even a trace of gold from Sabarimala should go missing and that stringent measures must be taken to ensure this.