Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Rejects Allegations of Interfering in Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has categorically rejected allegations of any interference in the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case, describing claims connecting his political secretary P Sasi to the summoning of witnesses as completely unfounded and motivated by political desperation. The accusations were leveled by UDF convenor Adoor Prakash, leading Vijayan to counter that the Congress leader was merely attempting to divert attention from his own questionable associations with the primary accused in the scandal.

Vijayan highlighted photographic evidence depicting Adoor Prakash standing alongside the main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, and Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi during a meeting, raising pointed questions about how an individual facing serious charges managed to secure access to such a prominent national figure. He demanded a thorough explanation from the Congress party, suggesting that Prakash's role in arranging or facilitating the encounter warrants scrutiny rather than unsubstantiated attacks on the state government's investigative processes.

The Chief Minister staunchly defended the autonomy of the SIT, particularly its decision to question former minister Kadakampally Surendran as part of gathering clarifications on various aspects of the case. Vijayan stressed that the investigative team operates independently, making determinations on summons without prior consultation or external directives, and functions under the direct oversight of the Kerala High Court to ensure impartiality and transparency.

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Expressing strong satisfaction with the SIT's progress and methodology, Vijayan reiterated that the state government had proactively advocated for High Court supervision from the outset to uphold the integrity of the probe. He firmly stated that neither he nor any member of his office has exerted influence at any stage, underscoring the administration's commitment to allowing justice to proceed unhindered.

When questioned about perceived delays in initiating action against former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, the Chief Minister declined to elaborate, maintaining that operational decisions within the court-monitored investigation are not subject to political commentary. The exchange highlights escalating political tensions surrounding the case, with both sides trading accusations amid public interest in its resolution.

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