Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case and recorded his statement, reiterating claims of international links behind the crime.

Chennithala had earlier alleged that gold panels allegedly smuggled out of Sabarimala were sold as antiquities and that the total value of the stolen items could be as high as Rs 500 crore.

He maintained that the information was shared with him by a person who had direct knowledge of such activities, and the SIT is now recording his statement based on these claims.

According to Chennithala, an international antiquities mafia was behind the Sabarimala gold theft. His statement was recorded at the Crime Branch headquarters in Enchakkal, Thiruvananthapuram.

Although Chennithala had earlier informed the investigation team that he was ready to give his statement, the appearance was postponed to Sunday due to logistical issues faced by the probe team.

He has claimed that the person who provided him information about the alleged gold theft has direct knowledge of organised groups involved in stealing valuable antiquities and selling them on the black market. While the individual is not willing to come forward publicly, Chennithala said the person may be prepared to depose before a court or the investigating agency.

Chennithala further alleged that certain industrialists and institutions in the state have links with such rackets and demanded that possible connections involving senior officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) be thoroughly investigated.