BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has approached the Kerala High Court demanding a CBI investigation into the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple, arguing that the ongoing probe by the Special Investigation Team is inadequate and compromised.
A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar heard the petition on Monday and pointed out certain defects. The matter will be taken up again next week.
Petitioner Seeks Central Probe, Flags Political Links
In his plea, Chandrasekhar said only a central agency could conduct a “comprehensive investigation,” citing reports that the gold removed from the temple had been distributed across multiple states and that individuals and establishments outside Kerala were involved.
He alleged that the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the temple, is staffed by persons with “clear political affiliations” to the state’s ruling party, and claimed that people “with influence in the corridors of power” had benefited from the process.
The petition expressed doubts about the SIT’s effectiveness, arguing that an inquiry limited to Kerala would be insufficient when the “alleged crime extended beyond state borders.”
He further alleged that Board members appointed by the government could be shielded, and that the SIT’s manner of interrogating them “substantiates these apprehensions.” Chandrasekhar also referred to media reports claiming that the son of a former TDB member, who is an IPS officer, was allegedly trying to derail the inquiry. This, he argued, strengthened the case for a CBI probe.
The petition also sought a detailed audit of TDB assets.
Former TDB Chief Seeks Bail
Meanwhile, former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, arrested by the SIT in connection with the gold-loss case, moved the Kollam Vigilance Court seeking bail. He argued that the decision to hand over the gold-clad plates of the dwarapalaka idols and the gold-covered door frames of the sreekovil to prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty was a collective decision of the Board, yet only he had been singled out for prosecution.
His bail plea will be heard on Tuesday.
Ongoing SIT Probe
The SIT, constituted by the High Court, is currently investigating two related cases involving the loss of gold from the dwarapalaka idols and the sanctum sanctorum door frame. Six people have been arrested so far.
The Kerala High Court is scheduled to review the progress of the investigation on Wednesday.
