Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT records statement of pravasi businessman, hands over some numbers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team (SIT) has recorded the statement of a pravasi businessman in the Sabarimala gold theft case. A detailed statement was taken from the expat of Pandalam last evening. The SIT had asked for details over the phone the other day. He later handed over the information to the investigation team. The numbers of some have also been handed over to the team. The SIT is preparing for further investigation based on the statement.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had revealed recently that he had received information that an international antiquities smuggling gang was behind the Sabarimala gold theft. The SIT had earlier recorded a statement from a Dubai businessman, accused in Chennithala's complaint. The businessman informed about his personal experiences with someone involved in the theft. However, he did not produce any documents.

Chennithala had written to the SIT on December 6, stating that the connection of the antiquities smuggling gang in the gold theft should be investigated and that a transaction worth Rs 500 crore was made. He later appeared before the SIT and gave his statement. Chennithala had alleged in the letter that some industrialists in the state were also involved in the Sabarimala gold theft.

'I know a person who has direct knowledge of the gangs that steal antiquities and sell them in the black market. He is not ready to come before the public and reveal the facts, but is ready to come before the investigation team and the court and give his statement. I am saying such things after independently investigating. Some industrialists and rackets in the state are linked to gold looting. Some high-ranking officials in the devaswom board should be investigated for their links with this racket. Archaeological teams should be brought under the purview of the investigation,’ Chennithala had demanded in the letter.