Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government for alleged lapses in the Sabarimala gold theft case investigation. He accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of delays under pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office, leading to the primary accused obtaining bail. Satheesan highlighted the failure to file charge sheets within the required 90-day period, allowing accused individuals to secure bail.
Satheesan expressed concern that the delay in submitting charge sheets had weakened the prosecution’s case, potentially enabling more accused persons to secure bail. He emphasized that the stolen gold and other items had not been recovered yet. The Opposition leader also alleged that the SIT faced pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office to delay the legal process, a claim supported by court observations. Despite retaining faith in the SIT as an institution, Satheesan criticized its performance in this particular case.
Referring to court proceedings, Satheesan noted that bail had been initially denied to prevent evidence tampering. He criticized the situation where accused individuals, previously denied bail, could now secure statutory bail, calling it unacceptable. The Opposition leader highlighted Supreme Court concerns about accused individuals involved in the theft of Lord Ayyappa’s gold seeking bail.
