Veteran CPI-M legislator Kadakampally Surendran addressed his connection with Sabarimala gold heist case prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti, stating that his visit to Potti’s house in 2017 was for a child’s function and denied any inappropriate relationship. Surendran emphasized that he knew Potti as a fellow devotee of Lord Ayyappa and had informed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) about their acquaintance both officially and personally.
He clarified that his visit to Potti’s house was under police escort and denied receiving any gifts or donations from Potti. Surendran stated that he did not accept any contributions from Potti and mentioned that the SIT had not officially informed him of any statements made by Potti. However, he chose not to comment on reports of a meeting in Bengaluru or photos allegedly showing him with the accused.
Kadakampally Surendran, a prominent CPI-M leader from Thiruvananthapuram, has been in public service since 1977, starting as a local panchayat member and later winning Assembly elections. He served in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, overseeing the Devaswom and Tourism portfolios. Despite past controversies, including links to the Kalluvathukal hooch tragedy, Surendran has continued his political career.
