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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 6 (IANS) Launching a scathing attack on the Kerala government over the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple, senior Congress leaders on Thursday demanded that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the High Court, alleging a massive cover-up involving top officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Ramesh Chennithala said the Kerala High Court’s comments linking the Sabarimala gold theft to possible international gold smuggling were “extremely serious” and required an independent investigation.
“The case should be transferred to the CBI under court supervision. The present investigation is merely to scapegoat a few people and protect those actually involved,” he said.
Chennithala said the role of all Devaswom presidents, board members and senior officials who served during the period of theft should be investigated, as well as the three Devaswom ministers who held office at that time.
Leader of the Opposition and veteran Congress leader VD Satheesan reiterated the demand, saying the High Court has found the present Devaswom Board to have committed a serious crime.
“The present Devaswom Board Chairman and members should be included in the list of accused and interrogated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The government is trying to extend the tenure of those responsible instead of removing them. Every fraud in Sabarimala has happened with the full knowledge of the state government and the CPI(M),” he alleged.
Referring to the role of ‘sponsor’ Unnikrishnan Potti, who was given the temple gold plates for the second time, Satheesan said this was done in violation of court orders despite earlier corruption charges.
He sought a court-monitored audit of all valuables, including gold, at Sabarimala, saying, “The High Court has expressed suspicion that the Board has misled the court and even hinted that the precious artefacts of the temple could be sold in international markets.”
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal also expressed dissatisfaction over the progress of the SIT and demanded a court-monitored CBI investigation.
“It remains to be seen how far this investigation will go. We have seen some investigations in the past which have led nowhere. The SIT should act decisively and interrogate all those involved,” he said.
Congress leaders said only an impartial, court-monitored investigation can restore public confidence in the management of one of Kerala’s most revered temples.
The SIT has so far arrested three people, including Potti, serving TDB officer Murari Babu and retired officer Sudhish Kumar.
On Wednesday, the SIT submitted its report on the progress of the investigation and the High Court expressed its view that the investigation was fine.
–IANS
SG/KHz