'Nothing will happen without minister's knowledge, 'big fishes' are yet to come out'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has strongly criticised the state government and the Devaswom Board in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. He said that such serious incidents could not have taken place at Sabarimala without the knowledge of the minister concerned, and that Devaswom Board presidents alone could not have carried out such a large-scale corruption.

"No one would believe claims that the minister was unaware of the gold theft at Sabarimala. Such a major irregularity could not have happened without the support of the administration. As reports suggest international links in the case, a CBI investigation has become essential," Chennithala said.

"The opposition has been demanding a High Court-monitored CBI probe from the beginning. While there are currently no complaints against the functioning of the court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), a central agency is needed to catch the big fishes involved in the case," he said.

"The allegations raised by the opposition are being proven correct one by one. Those who betrayed the devotees cannot escape the wrath of Lord Ayyappa. We will continue our strong protest until the truth behind the Sabarimala gold case comes out," Chennithala added.