Investigation Reaches Crucial Stage; SIT to Arrest More in Gold Case
Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case is preparing to move towards more arrests as the investigation enters a decisive phase. A key decision is expected soon regarding the arrest of former board member K.P. Shankaradas, while several prominent figures, including former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, remain under scrutiny.
Former board president P.S. Prashanth and three individuals closely associated with the Thantri are also being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Kadakampally Surendran, who was subjected to a three-hour interrogation by the SIT, reportedly denied all allegations and questions raised by the probe team. Investigators indicated that he could face legal trouble if contradictions are found between his statement and other evidence collected in the case.
Meanwhile, K.P. Shankaradas is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after suffering paralysis. Doctors have issued a medical certificate stating that he is unable to speak and that his health condition could worsen if subjected to questioning. In response, the SIT has requested the formation of a medical board led by doctors from the Government Medical College Hospital to independently assess Shankaradas’ health condition and determine whether he is fit for interrogation.
Shankaradas was a member of the Devaswom Board chaired by A. Padmakumar. The SIT has already arrested another board member, N. Vijayakumar, and its investigation has revealed that Shankaradas was also jointly responsible for the board’s controversial decision to hand over gold plates to Unnikrishnan Potty. According to the minutes of the board meeting held on March 19, 2019, Padmakumar struck out the term “gold-plated brass” using green ink and replaced it with the word “copper.” Shankaradas had signed below this correction. Padmakumar has maintained that the alteration was a collective decision taken by the board.
Age Determination Report Awaited
In a significant development, a scientific test to determine the age of the gold plating at the temple is currently underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) laboratory. The report is expected to be submitted to the court within the next few days. Preliminary findings suggest that the gold plating and the Prabhamandalam inside the sanctum sanctorum are around 125 years old, while the outer layers date back approximately three decades.
Investigators suspect that the original gold layers may have been illegally removed, replaced with copper sheets that were later gold-plated, and then reinstalled at the temple.
Eleven Arrested So Far
So far, the SIT has arrested 11 individuals in connection with the case:
Unnikrishnan Potty (Sponsor)
Muraribabu (Former Administrative Officer)
D. Sudheesh Kumar (Former Executive Officer)
K.S. Baiju (Former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner)
N. Vasu (Former Board President and Commissioner)
A. Padmakumar (Former Board President)
S. Sreekumar (Former Administrative Officer)
Pankaj Bhandari (Owner of a gold extraction establishment)
Govardhan (Owner of a jewellery shop in Bellary)
N. Vijayakumar (Former Board Member)
Kandararu Rajeevaru (Temple Thantri)
With forensic reports awaited and key suspects still under examination, the SIT is expected to intensify its action in the coming days as it seeks to unravel the full extent of the alleged gold theft.