Former devaswom board member N Vijaya Kumar arrested in Sabarimala gold theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: N Vijaya Kumar, former member of the devaswom board has been arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He was a member of the board led by former president A Padmakumar. The Kerala High Court had observed that all members of the board have equal responsibility in the case. He reached the office of the special investigation team and surrendered.

Vijayakumar said that his family and friends directed him to surrender. While talking to the media, he said that he has not committed any crime and that he is innocent. He said that he cannot bear the

Although Padmakumar was arrested, the high court had earlier criticized the investigation for not extending to former board members K P Sankaradas and N Vijayakumar, saying that this was a serious lapse. Soon after this, Vijayakumar was arrested. Padmakumar's statement was that he did not decide the matters in Sabarimala alone and that the decision was taken in consultation with the administrative committee.

The high court criticized the credibility of the investigation as being questionable and is showing discrimination towards the accused. There are allegations that the SIT is taking a soft stance on the 2019 Devaswom Board members and the Tantri, even though they have received statements and information that could implicate them. The investigation has not extended to the political leadership either. Padmakumar revealed that Unnikrishnan Potty was working in Sabarimala as a member of the Tantri family and that he became powerful with the support of the Tantri and officials. Although the SIT recorded the statements of the two Tantris, no further action has been taken.