AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal criticized the State government’s approach to the arrest of the Sabarimala tantri, raising concerns about rushing to label him guilty without evidence. Venugopal emphasized that if substantial evidence was present, objections to the arrest would not arise. However, he highlighted the Vigilance Court’s bail decision, noting the lack of evidence against the Tantri.
Venugopal questioned the motive behind challenging the court’s ruling and criticized Law Minister P. Rajeeve’s comments on the bail order. He stressed that the Congress never opposed the tantri’s arrest if supported by evidence, urging for a fair legal process. Venugopal expressed worries about prematurely branding the tantri guilty without presenting evidence in court, hinting at potential conspiracy suspicions post the court’s remarks.
Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan echoed similar apprehensions during his political yatra, demanding clarity from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the arrest grounds and evidence. Satheesan emphasized the need for transparency, urging the SIT to disclose the alleged offense and the tantri’s role. The Opposition’s boycott of the Assembly persists, calling for the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and an end to alleged Chief Minister’s Office interference in the investigation.
Satheesan retaliated against accusations of shielding the Tantri and criticized the judiciary by ministers. He argued that it was the Law Minister who publicly criticized the court’s bail decision. Both leaders emphasized equal legal treatment for the Tantri and the necessity for the SIT to reveal the arrest’s evidentiary basis to rebuild public trust. Six out of the 13 arrested individuals by the SIT have secured bail, with others awaiting their bail hearings.
