Fresh political developments have emerged in the Sabarimala gold heist case as senior CPI-M legislator and former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran confirmed being questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The questioning, which occurred on Saturday but was only disclosed on Tuesday, has heightened scrutiny of the investigation, currently under the Kerala High Court’s close watch. Surendran briefly acknowledged the interrogation while addressing the media, stating that he appeared before the SIT during his tenure as the Devaswom Minister at the time of the incident.
Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President P. Prasanth, who recently concluded his term, was also questioned in connection with the case. The revelation gains significance as it coincides with the SIT’s plea to the Kerala High Court for expanding the investigation team. This alignment has sparked speculation in political and legal circles regarding the pace and focus of the probe, especially amidst concerns of cautious handling of crucial aspects.
A vacation bench comprising Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. and Justice M.B. Snehalatha orally granted permission to the SIT on Tuesday to include two additional officers of the rank of Circle Inspector. The SIT was formed following the High Court’s intervention based on a suo motu petition triggered by a report from the Special Commissioner, highlighting the alleged disappearance of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the peedam at the Sabarimala temple.
The case revolves around the purported theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and lintels at the Sabarimala temple. Earlier, the High Court extended the SIT’s investigation timeline by six weeks to allow for the scientific examination initiated by the court. The case is set for further review on January 14, 2026. Politically, attention remains on Surendran, with Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accusing the investigation of being deliberately delayed to protect the former minister, a claim he has maintained despite facing a defamation lawsuit.
Former State Labour Minister and senior UDF leader Shibu Baby John has expressed concerns about the investigation’s progress, pointing to a pending plea before the High Court for a CBI inquiry. John highlighted a perceived slowdown in the SIT’s momentum weeks into the probe, emphasizing the need to observe the outcome of Surendran’s questioning.
