Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the arrest of Arjun, driver of violinist Balabhaskar, in connection with a gold robbery in Perinthalmanna, Balabhaskar’s father K C Unni has levelled serious allegations. Unni believes that his son was murdered by the gold smuggling mafia and criticised the CBI and other investigative agencies for their "failure" to uncover the truth despite extensive investigations.

Arjun, Balabhaskar’s driver, was reportedly involved in an ATM robbery case and another theft case prior to his involvement in the gold robbery. Unni revealed that they only learned of these criminal activities after Balabhaskar's death.

He also mentioned that at the time of the accident, it was Arjun who was driving the vehicle. Arjun had filed a case claiming compensation of Rs 1 crore at the MACT (Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal), Unni added.

Unni said that while the CBI investigation was conducted into his son’s death, all they had heard were rumours. He further alleged that the CBI report submitted to the court did not lead to any substantial findings. He accused the investigation teams of trying to protect the gold smuggling rackets, with even the CBI allegedly bowing to their influence.

Allegations of murder, gold smuggling
Unni stressed that Balabhaskar was murdered by a gold smuggling gang, naming his former associates Prakasan Thampi and Vishnu behind the plot. These individuals had been in jail for some time. However, they were later released on bail. Unni also claimed that Raman Pillai was handling the legal cases for the duo. He also alleged that gold smuggling operations continue to thrive and that the individuals involved are powerful figures in the criminal underworld.

The robbery occurred last Thursday when two owners of a jewelry shop were attacked on their way home in Perinthalmanna, with over 3.5 kilograms of gold stolen. Police have already apprehended 13 suspects in connection with the planned heist, including Arjun (28), who was part of the gang. The heist took place in the Potturayikkal area of Thrissur.