A Padmakumar faces heat after N Vasu's arrest in gold theft case

PATHANAMTHITTA: The arrest of N Vasu, a former top official of the Devaswom Board, has become a major turning point in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Vasu had earlier served as both Devaswom Board president and Devaswom Commissioner. The next key accused in the case is the Devaswom Board led by A Padmakumar. Both Vasu and Padmakumar were appointed as board presidents through political nominations.

Padmakumar is a CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member and a former MLA from Konni. The Devaswom Board itself is listed as the eighth accused in the door frame panel case. It is said that statements from Vasu and former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner Baiju contain important information against Padmakumar.

These individuals became accused because the case is under strict monitoring by the High Court. All those arrested so far, including former Devaswom presidents and staff members, are linked to the CPM. With the state heading into local body elections, these arrests could put the CPM on the defensive. If Padmakumar is questioned or arrested, it would be a major setback for the party during the election period. The UDF and BJP are expected to use the situation politically across the state. Statements from the arrested accused are reportedly strong enough for questioning Padmakumar, but the government views the ongoing detailed investigation as a safeguard.

Padmakumar was the Devaswom Board president when the gold theft took place in 2019. Later, Vasu also became president as a CPM nominee. Vasu had earlier served as a CPM panchayat president and as personal staff to minister PK Gurudasan in the 2006 LDF government. He went on to serve twice as Devaswom Commissioner and became Board president within seven months of leaving the commissioner post.

Will not protect anyone: Govindan
CPM state secretary MV Govindan stated that no one will be protected in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He said all offenders will be brought before the law and that the party will not speak even half a word in defence of anyone. He made the remarks during a Kerala Union of Working Journalists event when asked about the arrest of N. Vasu, adding that the special investigation team will examine everything thoroughly.