Sabarimala gold theft: HC may hand over probe to CBI if foreign link is proven

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If the Special Investigation Team (SIT) finds any foreign link in the Sabarimala gold theft case, the Kerala High Court may hand over the further investigation to the CBI. The SIT is currently probing the case based on the allegation made by Ramesh Chennithala that gold sheets from the sanctum were taken out of the country, resulting in a Rs 500-crore fraud. The allegations point toward an international antiquities mafia.

The SIT suspects that after stealing the original gold sheets from the sanctum, the accused replaced them with copper sheets coated in gold. To confirm this, the age and authenticity of the current gold sheets are being tested at the VSSC lab. The High Court had earlier expressed doubt about whether the sheets currently in the temple are original. In the first phase of the investigation, the SIT seized a large quantity of gold from a jewellery shop in Bellary. At the time, the accused allegedly attempted to return the stolen gold and cover up the theft. However, once the High Court mentioned a possible international connection, such attempts stopped.

There have even been allegations of links with antique traders in Egypt. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has alleged that the stolen gold sheets were sold to a major industrialist. The SIT also found suspicious foreign trips made by former Travancore Devaswom Board presidents A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu, both of whom are currently in remand. Padmakumar’s passport was seized. Reports say both had travelled abroad along with Unnikrishnan Potty.

High international value for “divine” gold

• Idols and gold plates with religious significance can fetch enormous amounts abroad due to their so-called “divine value.”
• Rare idols and sculptures stolen from India have been found in art houses and private collections in the US, Europe, Australia, and the Gulf.

If CBI takes over

If the case is transferred to the CBI, they will investigate internationally with the help of Interpol. Many big names, including politicians, may come under the scanner. Money laundering and real-estate links may also surface.

Petitions demanding a CBI investigation have already been filed by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Hindu Aikya Vedi, and others.