The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into alleged financial irregularities at Sabarimala has hit a roadblock due to prolonged court-monitored proceedings, according to State Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan. The Kerala government is seeking more administrative freedom to ensure the investigation reaches a conclusion. The SIT has filed two FIRs and arrested over a dozen individuals, including top officials of the Travancore Devasom Board.
Muraleedharan clarified that the government does not aim to challenge the judiciary’s authority but believes that the executive should have the autonomy to make decisions, with judicial oversight for corrections. He emphasized the importance of expediting the investigation process to prevent the accused from evading punishment. Delays in filing the chargesheet could weaken the prosecution’s case and risk the destruction of crucial evidence.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation, Muraleedharan criticized the handling of the controversy by the Travancore Devaswom Board, particularly regarding the Thazhamon Thantri’s involvement. The Thantri, under suspicion in the case, had expressed willingness to step down and have his son take over, but the Board deferred the decision to the court. Muraleedharan deemed this approach inappropriate and called for greater government autonomy in appointments within the Board.
