‘More CPM leaders will land in jail; accused gave statements against Kadakampally,’ says Satheesan

Kochi: Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan on Tuesday reiterated allegations that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) had intervened to delay the questioning of former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.

Satheesan alleged that pressure was exerted on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as the CPM feared political backlash if Kadakampally Surendran was questioned during the election period.

He said the opposition’s charge that the probe was deliberately slowed down was later upheld by the court.

“No matter how much one tries to conceal it, the truth will come out,” he said, questioning why the notice issued to summon Kadakampally for questioning was kept confidential.

Furthermore, Satheesan alleged it has now become clear that Kadakampally was the one who connected Unnikrishnan Potti, one of the key accused in the case, with the Devaswom Board president and other members. He added that the accused persons who were arrested earlier have given statements against Kadakampally and that once the statement copies come out, the public will clearly understand the facts.

Satheesan pointed out that although two Devaswom Board presidents and three CPM leaders are currently in jail in connection with the case, the party has not taken any action against them.

Opposition leader also accused the CPM of double standards, saying the party demands action against an accused Congress MLA while refusing to act against its own leaders. Satheesan clarified that the Congress had taken action against the accused MLA not at the CPM’s insistence, but on its own.

Stating that he still has faith in the investigation team, Satheesan demanded that the Chief Minister’s Office should not interfere in its functioning. He noted that the probe is currently proceeding under court supervision and alleged that the government fears more CPM leaders will be jailed in the coming days.