Sabarimala gold theft: Opposition questions secrecy in SIT probe
Sabarimala gold theft: Opposition questions secrecy in SIT probe
Opposition leader accuses SIT of covert questioning and political meddling in the Sabarimala gold theft probe, urging High Court scrutiny of officer appointments.
In Guruvayur, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan raised serious questions about the way the Special Investigation Team is handling the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging covert questioning of senior CPI(M) leader Kadakampally Surendran and political interference from the Chief Minister’s Office. He noted that Surendran was questioned in secrecy while reports circulated that former minister Adoor Prakash would be summoned. “Who planted this story? What was the intent behind keeping one interrogation secret while publicising another?” he asked.
Satheesan claimed the government is trying to “balance” the narrative to dilute charges against CPI(M) leaders tied to the gold theft. He called for High Court scrutiny of the recent appointments to the SIT, saying two officers were placed with knowledge of two senior IPS officers and a high-ranking Crime Branch official known for his CPI(M) allegiance. He suggested the moves were aimed at leaking probe details and keeping the investigation under political control.
The Opposition leader also accused the Chief Minister’s Office of pressuring the SIT to delay questioning and arrest of influential CPI(M) leaders. He insisted that a court-appointed SIT must function independently, free from interference. He challenged Surendran’s assertion that no evidence has been produced against him, saying that evidence cannot be produced outside the court process.
As the probe continues, officials have denied political motives and said the investigation will proceed. Satheesan urged investigators to press ahead without yielding to pressure and stressed the importance of transparency in appointing SIT members and in how interrogations are conducted.
