CPI(M) interference delaying Sabarimala gold theft probe; no bar on questioning anyone, including Sonia Gandhi: Sunny Joseph

Alleging political interference by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in the investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Kerala Pradesh Congress committee (KPCC ) president Sunny Joseph on Thursday said the delay in the probe was “allowing the accused to exploit legal loopholes and secure bail.”

Addressing the media, Mr Joseph said the accused were getting bail solely because the investigating agency had failed to file a chargesheet. He said there was “serious and unexplained delay” in even determining the exact quantity of gold stolen. He alleged that CPI(M) intervention was behind the slow pace of the investigation.

Responding to a question, Mr Joseph said there was no legal obstacle to questioning anyone, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, and added that she did not hold any position of power.

Drawing a comparison, Mr Joseph said the CPI(M), “which acted swiftly against [Kannur CPI(M) leader] V. Kunhikrishnan”, had failed to take any action against those accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Even a provisional chargesheet had not been filed, he said, which was the primary reason the accused were able to obtain bail.

Mr. Joseph said he was not fully satisfied with the progress of the investigation and noted that concerns and anxiety were prevailing among the devotee community regarding the manner in which the probe was being carried out.