Sabarimala gold theft: Padmakumar to be questioned today: Investigation period may be extended

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will seek more time from the High Court to complete the investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft. There are two cases. Stealing old from the Dvarapalaka sculptures and the shrine's door. The investigation has not been completed. There are indications that the gold from the door of the shrine was also stolen. The investigation on this is progressing. Only through scientific investigation can it be found out how much gold was stolen. The SIT will inform the court about these matters. The scientific examination of the Dvarapalaka sculptures will be conducted on the 17th.

Former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar will be questioned today in the theft of gold from the door frame. Although Padmakumar had sought time, citing the death of a close relative, he is likely to appear at the Crime Branch office in Thiruvananthapuram today as the SIT has issued another notice. The SIT has informed Padmakumar that he will not be given more time. The SIT found that the door frame panels were recorded as copper and given to Unnikrishnan Potty with the knowledge of the board. The board is the eighth accused. Padmakumar's secretary and others have been questioned.

Transfer for officer who handled file

The officer who handled controversial files in 2019 was transferred after being put on compulsory leave. The action is against Shyam Prakash, who was a section clerk when N Vasu was the Devaswom Commissioner. Shyam Prakash was transferred from Devaswom Vigilance to Varkala Group.

Shyam Prakash was the Thiruvananthapuram Zone Officer of Devaswom Vigilance. The Vigilance SP realised that this officer was working in his office only after the gold theft investigation was initiated. The SP had directed Shyam Prakash to go on compulsory leave. He was transferred later. The SIT says that Shyam Prakash was the one who handled the files regarding gold-plating.