CBI probe essential on Sabarimala gold ‘theft’, says Kodikunnil Suresh

Congress Working Committee member and MP Kodikunnil Suresh has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation under the supervision of the Kerala High Court into the alleged Sabarimala gold theft, asserting that justice cannot be expected from the State police.

“If the gold loot at Sabarimala is investigated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s police against Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] members, the truth will never come out. They will protect the real culprits and instead target devaswom officials to close the case,” he said, while addressing a reception organised for the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s (KPCC) Vishwasa Samrakshana Yatra at Chelakkara on Wednesday.

The yatra, led by Mr. Suresh as captain and T. N. Prathapan, member of the KPCC Political Affairs Committee, as vice-captain, received an enthusiastic reception at multiple centres in the district, including in Guruvayur and Thrissur.

‘No moral right’

Mr. Suresh accused the State government of betraying the faith of devotees and desecrating sacred temples. “A government that destroys faith and loots holy shrines has no moral right to stay in power. Once in power, they turn corrupt and shameless. The Pinarayi government must be removed before further damage is done,” he said.

He also recalled that during former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s tenure, a comprehensive master plan was initiated to develop Sabarimala using 300 acres of land, but it was derailed by the Left Democratic Front government.

“Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan even ‘violated’ temple rituals at the Parthasarathi temple in Aranmula. Offerings meant for the deity were consumed by the Minister before the deity was served. Even the Tantri has confirmed the breach of custom. The CPI(M) has stooped to the level of showing no restraint or reverence toward faith,” Mr. Suresh alleged.