Sabarimala gold theft case: Congress questions SIT probe, alleges Kerala Home Dept control

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress party in Kerala on Monday expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged gold theft from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple, alleging that the investigation is being controlled by the Kerala Home Department.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, Sunny Joseph, accused the SIT of failing to identify the real masterminds behind what he described as an organised theft involving conspiracy.

Joseph pointed out that the Kerala High Court has itself raised concerns over the slow pace of the investigation, indicating that more influential individuals may be involved in the case.

“The court itself has said that more high-profile figures were involved in the crime. They are yet to be nabbed. Above all, it is a case of organised theft involving conspiracy,” the KPCC chief said.

Congress seeks clarity on missing Sabarimala gold

Questioning the whereabouts of the missing gold, Joseph said recovering it is crucial not only as legal evidence but also out of respect for the faith and beliefs of devotees of the Sabarimala temple.

He reiterated that the Congress party was dissatisfied with the SIT probe, alleging that the team was functioning under the influence of the state Home Department. “We might be the first to say that the SIT probe is not satisfactory because a string of the state Home Department is attached to them. That's why we are not satisfied with that probe. The court also said the same thing,” he said.

When asked whether Congress was demanding a CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold loss case, Joseph said the matter is sub judice and that the court should take a final call.

Political controversy continues

The Sabarimala gold theft case has remained a major political flashpoint in Kerala for months. The SIT is investigating the alleged loss of gold and related irregularities linked to temple artefacts.

So far, several individuals have been arrested, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). In a recent submission to a Vigilance Court, the SIT named Pankaj Bhandari of Smart Creations and Ballari-based jeweller Govardhan Roddam as key accused in the alleged conspiracy to steal gold from Sabarimala temple artefacts.

On Friday, the SIT arrested both Bhandari and Roddam, as the probe into the Sabarimala temple gold theft allegations continues.

PTI