The political tension in Kerala heightened as the BJP intensified its protests regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case. Protest marches were organized to the residences of two prominent CPI(M) leaders, former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran in Thiruvananthapuram and incumbent Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan in Kottayam. These protests occurred amidst increasing scrutiny of the alleged gold smuggling from the Sabarimala temple, leading to investigations by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan raised concerns over the delay in arresting Surendran, questioning why the temple’s tantri was taken into custody while the former minister remained free. He called for the investigation to be transferred to the CBI, alleging deliberate delays by the SIT in filing a charge sheet. Surendran, who faced questioning by the SIT, has been under political attack from Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan since the case emerged.
The BJP emphasized the importance of thorough investigation into Surendran’s role, stating that political accountability should not be selective. Concurrently, BJP workers marched to the office of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan in Kottayam, leading to clashes with police. Security forces used water cannons to disperse protesters attempting to breach barricades, resulting in tensions in the area.
In the midst of the political standoff, Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar pledged full cooperation with the ED probe, emphasizing support for efforts to uncover the truth. Describing the irregularities at Sabarimala as a “systemic failure,” Jayakumar highlighted ongoing measures to prevent such lapses in the future and restore devotees’ trust.
As investigations by the SIT and ED progress, the case remains a focal point of a significant political battle in Kerala, with implications for governance and accountability.
