Kerala CM Defends Sabarimala Probe, CPI(M) Vows to Punish Guilty in Temple Gold Heist

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has distanced himself from commenting on the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft case, citing the High Court's direct supervision of the investigation. However, he assured that the CPI(M) party will not shield anyone found guilty in the case. At a press conference in Kochi, Vijayan emphasized that the investigation is being conducted under the High Court's oversight, ensuring a thorough and effective probe. He also stated that the CPI(M) has made it clear that it will not protect anyone involved in the gold heist. The case took a dramatic turn with the arrest of A. Padmakumar, the former Sabarimala Executive Committee President and CPM Pathanamthitta District Committee member, on November 26. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had sought his custody, which was approved by the Kollam Vigilance Court. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against KM Shajahan, a former additional private secretary to the late Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and a YouTuber, for allegedly insulting ADGP S Sreejith and making false claims about the police's involvement in the gold theft case. The FIR accuses Shajahan of inciting hostility between communities on religious grounds and promoting enmity between different groups. The Sabarimala gold controversy revolves around irregularities in the gold plating work at the temple, which was donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998. The investigation has already led to the arrest of several individuals, including former Thiruvabharanam temple Commissioner KS Baiju and prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti. The SIT has submitted its second report to the Kerala High Court, revealing serious irregularities in the minutes of the Travancore Devaswom Board.