M.V. Govindan says no one will be shielded in Sabarimala gold theft case

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State secretary M.V. Govindan on Sunday said that no one would be protected in the ongoing investigation into the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple. Not a single grain of gold should go missing from the temple, he added.

Reacting to the bail granted to Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in the case, Mr. Govindan said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe was still under way and that conclusions on charges could be drawn only after its completion. “Our position is clear. Whoever is involved will be arrested. No one will be shielded,“ he said.

‘Politicising issue’

He alleged that Congress leaders were also linked to the case and criticised what he termed selective outrage. Referring to earlier allegations surrounding a missing ritual pot, he claimed there had been little discussion when accusations were raised against Congress leader K.C. Venugopal. “News becomes news only when it is against the CPI(M) and the government. It is not the same when it concerns the BJP or the Congress,” he said. Mr. Govindan further alleged that both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were attempting to politicise the issue.

Responding to suggestions that the arrest was linked to the Tantri’s reported opposition to women’s entry into Sabarimala, he said the investigation was based solely on alleged financial irregularities.

He also commented on the Youth Congress protest in which a wreath was placed at the residence of Health Minister Veena George, alleging that it was done deliberately to provoke confrontation. “If such actions continue, there will be reactions and that could lead to conflict,” he said.