Sabarimala gold row: SIT records statement of Kadakampally Surendran, P S Prasanth

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made a decisive move in the Sabarimala gold theft case. On Tuesday, the SIT recorded the statement of former Kerala Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran in connection with the theft. Reports indicate that the SIT met him in person last Saturday to take his testimony. In addition to Kadakampally, the SIT also recorded the statement of Devaswom Board President P S Prasanth.

It is learnt that Kadakampally’s statement was taken based on the statement of A Padmakumar, former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), who has already been arrested in the case. Allegations have also surfaced that the delay in recording Kadakampally’s statement was due to the recently concluded local body elections.

Padmakumar had earlier said that Kadakampally was acquainted with Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the gold theft, and that the two shared a friendship. It was on the basis of these statements that the SIT reportedly questioned Kadakampally directly.

Earlier, the opposition had levelled accusations against Kadakampally Surendran in connection with the case, alleging that he was involved.