Thiruvananthapuram: In the Sabarimala gold theft case, former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar’s statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly casts suspicion on the former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and the Tantri. According to reports, Padmakumar stated that prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti had earlier mentioned to him that he was acquainted with the then minister.

Padmakumar further informed the SIT that Unnikrishnan Potti was associated with Sabarimala even before Padmakumar personally knew him. Potti’s activities in Sabarimala were linked to the Tantri family. He has reportedly stated that Potti was acquainted with Kadakampally Surendran, who was the Devaswom Minister at the time, even before Padmakumar personally met Potti.

Padmakumar, however, has not admitted before the SIT that the events in Sabarimala were related to a gold theft. He maintained that the gold items were handed over to Potti as part of efforts to renovate and restore Sabarimala, and that not for theft. According to him, the gold plates had aged and required polishing and repair, and the restoration work included doors, door guard statues and door frames. Padmakumar also reportedly stated that this decision was not taken by him alone but was a collective decision known to all involved.

However, Padmakumar’s statement does not clearly indicate that either the Tantri or Kadakampally Surendran took a specific personal interest in the matter.

Reports suggest that the investigation team will need to clarify these aspects further.