‘Arrest of Tantri is suspicious, claims of political interference in case’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Tantri Rajeevaru Kandararu without any evidence in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Chennithala alleged that the arrest of the Tantri is suspicious and the SIT acted on the directions of the chief minister's office. The allegations were levelled at a press meet held in Thiruvananthapuram. Chennithala added that the Tantri was deliberately trapped.

‘The SIT arrested the Tantri without following the directions of the Kerala High Court. There is no investigation in the conspiracy. Former Devaswom president made a serious mistake. He was questioned twice but was released. The Tantri was arrested to prevent the investigation from reaching Kadakampally Surendran and V N Vasavan. This is evidence to show that there was political interference in the case. After a stage, the SIT was controlled by the office of the chief minister. People will give a befitting reply to the political games,' said Ramesh Chennithala.

Chennithala rejected the Youth Congress’ protest by placing wreaths at the official residence of the health minister. He said protests by laying wreaths is the CPM's way and such protests should not be held. Youth Congress workers placed wreaths in front of the minister's house Saturday morning. This had led to widespread protests.