SIT Questioning of UDF Convener Adoor Prakash in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case a Grave Concern: Sivankutty

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday said that the questioning of UDF convener Adoor Prakash MP by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case is a matter of grave concern.

Addressing the media, the minister said the reported meetings between Adoor Prakash and individuals accused of stealing and selling the gold cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. He alleged that claims of the UDF convener accepting rewards from the accused point clearly to a criminal conspiracy.

“This is not a political allegation,” Sivankutty said. “The investigation team has proceeded with the interrogation based on credible evidence and recorded statements.” He added that meetings allegedly held with the accused, both within and outside the state, suggest the existence of a large and organised network of corruption.

Sivankutty also criticised the UDF leadership, stating that a front which “speaks endlessly about corruption and moral values” has a responsibility to respond to the public when its own convener is linked to such serious allegations.

Calling it alarming, the minister said it was deeply concerning that the accused in the gold theft case were reportedly able to access the highly secured residence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He demanded that Adoor Prakash and the Congress leadership clarify the facts surrounding the matter.