Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan government for allegedly trying to disrupt the high court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Sabarimala gold smuggling case. Satheesan raised concerns over the appointment of two Circle Inspectors with reported ties to the CPI(M) leadership, stating that it has compromised the probe’s credibility.
Questioning the selection process, Satheesan expressed doubts about the inclusion of officers associated with the ruling party in a sensitive investigation directed by the high court. He highlighted that the clearance of two names was allegedly influenced by two senior IPS officers and a top-ranking official from the Crime Branch headquarters.
Satheesan reiterated his previous claims of senior IPS officers attempting to exert influence over the SIT’s operations. He alleged that this interference was part of a larger scheme to obstruct the investigation and protect the alleged masterminds of the gold smuggling racket linked to Sabarimala.
Accusing the government and CPI(M) of orchestrating efforts to hinder the case, Satheesan called for judicial intervention to safeguard the SIT’s integrity and ensure an unbiased investigation into the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.
