Scooter ride to Kerala Home Minister puts Kadakampally in spotlight amid Sabarimala gold theft probe

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Devaswom Minister and CPM leader Kadakampally Surendran's scooter ride to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala's residence has become the focus of political attention, with the visit coinciding with a crucial stage of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged Sabarimala gold misappropriation case.

Surendran arrived at Chennithala's private residence in Vazhuthacaud at around 7.30 am on Wednesday on a scooter. The meeting lasted about 15 minutes before he left on the same vehicle.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Surendran described it as a "friendly meeting" and said they had discussed some "routine issues". He did not elaborate further. Neither Surendran nor the Home Minister's office has indicated that the discussion was linked to the ongoing investigation.

Timing of visit sparks political attention

The meeting has attracted attention because it took place as the SIT prepares to submit its final report in the Sabarimala gold theft investigation.

The probe has entered a significant phase after former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prasanth was named as an accused. The investigation relates to the alleged misappropriation of gold coverings used at the Sabarimala temple.

Surendran served as Kerala's Devaswom Minister between 2016 and 2021 in the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, when the alleged irregularities are said to have begun in 2019. Prasanth later headed the Travancore Devaswom Board from 2023 to 2025 (second Pinarayi Vijayan government’s tenure), during which the gold coverings were allegedly removed and transported again for repairs without the Kerala High Court's permission, according to the investigation.

Former Kerala BJP president K. Surendran questioned the timing of the meeting in a Facebook post. He said there was nothing unusual about a former minister meeting the Home Minister in normal circumstances, but argued that the visit came immediately after Prasanth was made an accused in the Sabarimala gold case.

He also said Kadakampally Surendran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala should explain the purpose of the meeting. These are political remarks made by the BJP leader, and no official link between the meeting and the investigation has been established.