Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has called on the CPI(M) to expel former MLA A. Padmakumar, currently in judicial custody over the Sabarimala gold theft case. Chennithala expressed concerns about Padmakumar’s continued membership, citing court findings linking him to the alleged conspiracy. Padmakumar, a CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee member and former MLA, was arrested on November 20, 2025, by the Special Investigation Team probing the case.
Chennithala highlighted that Padmakumar, the eighth accused in the case, has been in custody for over two months, with his bail applications consistently denied by the courts. He referenced a January 2026 order from the Kollam Vigilance Court, which denied Padmakumar anticipatory bail and detailed his alleged involvement in the crime. The court found that Padmakumar, in a Devaswom Board meeting on July 5, 2019, had decided to transfer Lord Ayyappa’s sacred ornaments to a private individual, indicating potential involvement in a criminal conspiracy.
Despite clear judicial observations, Chennithala criticized the CPI(M) for failing to take disciplinary action against Padmakumar, causing confusion and concern in Kerala. Allegations of the CPI(M) collecting Rs 10 crore under Padmakumar’s leadership during the last Lok Sabha election have also surfaced. Chennithala urged the CPI(M) leadership to prioritize the sentiments of devotees and promptly expel Padmakumar.
