Sabarimala gold: How did Potty get close to Sonia? asks Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inquired about the connection between the accused and MPs Adoor Prakash and Anto Antony, who had brought the accused in the Sabarimala gold robbery case before Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who is under high security.

"A picture of Sonia with accused Unnikrishnan Potty and gold merchant Govardhan from Bellary who bought the gold has surfaced. In one picture, Sonia is receiving a gift from Govardhan. The second picture is of Unnikrishnan Potty tying something on Sonia's hand. Anto Antony and Adoor Prakash are also with her.

"Sonia Gandhi is one of the most important people under security in the country. Senior Congress leaders have complained about the delay in getting her appointment. It is history that leader K Karunakaran had to stay in Kerala House in 2003 without getting an appointment and made his resentment public. Assam Chief Minister and Congress leaders in Arunachal joined the BJP after not being able to meet Sonia. Ramesh Chennithala should clarify how the accused in the gold case got an appointment that even Congress leaders could not get.

"Many people associated with the case have Congress connections. We have not named anyone yet. If they are guilty, let the investigation team find them. Let legal action be taken. Various images are being circulated for political gain. My name may also be being used. The inauguration of the ambulance for Sabarimala was held at the portico in front of the secretariat. The campaign was based on the claim that Potti was in the crowd and that he was near me. However, none of this is like that," the Chief Minister said.