Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Opposition Leader V D Satheesan has alleged that two senior IPS officers are exerting intense pressure on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case and are allegedly acting on instructions from the Chief Minister’s Office with the intention of sabotaging the investigation.

He warned that if this interference continues, he would be forced to reveal the names of the officers involved publicly.

Satheesan claimed that the Kerala High Court had upheld the concerns raised by the Opposition that the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft was moving at a slow pace and that deliberate pressure was applied during the election period.

According to him, the investigation is now progressing only because the High Court directly intervened and appointed a Special Investigation Team. Had the SIT remained under government control, former Devaswom Board presidents would not have been arrested, and the case would have been closed after arresting only a few employees, he alleged. He added that there is hope the “big fish” will be brought before the law, but if the probe falters, the Opposition would demand a CBI investigation.

He also said that a decision has been taken to soon begin bilateral discussions with constituent parties of the UDF. Dates for talks with parties, including the Muslim League and Kerala Congress, will be finalised shortly, with the Congress taking the lead.

Meanwhile, Satheesan clarified that efforts to bring Vishnupuram Chandrasekharan, who has a Sangh Parivar background, into the UDF have been completely abandoned. He said it would be wrong to even consider someone who remains an RSS sympathiser at heart. He added that the advice given by senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on this matter is being taken seriously and that greater caution will be exercised in the coming days.

Responding to criticism over his participation in the Chief Minister’s Onasadya, Satheesan said it was merely a matter of political courtesy. Attending official programmes hosted by the Prime Minister, Speaker or Chief Minister in their official capacities is a democratic convention, he said. He compared it to Priyanka Gandhi attending a tea reception hosted by the Speaker. Satheesan added that there is nothing wrong in attending official functions organised by those holding constitutional positions while continuing political battles.