Sabarimala gold theft: Why was Kadakampally questioned in secrecy, asks Satheesan

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Thursday raised serious questions about the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging covert questioning of senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader Kadakampally Surendran and political interference from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Speaking to the media in Guruvayur, he asked why Mr. Surendran was questioned in complete secrecy, while news was deliberately leaked that former minister Adoor Prakash would be summoned for questioning. “Who planted this story? What was the intent behind keeping one interrogation secret while publicising another?” he asked.

Appointments questioned

Mr. Satheesan alleged that the government was attempting to “balance” the narrative to dilute charges against CPI(M) leaders accused in the gold heist. He demanded that the High Court re-examine the recent appointment of two officers to the SIT, claiming they were inducted with the knowledge of two senior IPS officers and a high-ranking Crime Branch official known for his CPI(M) allegiance. According to him, the appointments were meant to leak details of the probe and keep the investigation under political control.

He further accused the Chief Minister’s Office of exerting pressure on the SIT to delay the questioning and arrest of influential CPI(M) leaders. “A court-appointed SIT is not being allowed to function independently,” he said, urging investigators to proceed without yielding to any pressure.

Referring to Mr. Surendran’s challenge that no evidence had been produced against him, Mr. Satheesan said such remarks reflected ignorance of basic legal procedure. “Does a former Minister not know that evidence cannot be produced at will, outside the court’s process?” he asked.

He alleged that CPI(M) leaders who were jailed in connection with the gold theft were being protected by the party leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan. “Had the court not intervened, even the Ayyappa idol itself could have been stolen,” he claimed, adding that more revelations were emerging in the case.

He also dismissed reports that Congress members in Mattathur had joined the BJP, calling them false and politically motivated. The issue, he said, stemmed from local rivalries and disciplinary action had been taken against those who violated party decisions.