SIT to intensify investigation: Former Devaswom Board members will also be arrested

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More arrests are likely to be made soon as the High Court has criticised the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for its serious lapses in the gold theft probe. Although former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar was arrested, the High Court pointed out that the investigation did not extend to former board members K.P. Sankaradas and N. Vijayakumar. Padmakumar has said that he did not decide the Sabarimala matters alone, but in consultation with the governing body.

The High Court has strongly criticized the SIT for casting doubt on the credibility of the investigation and for discriminating against those who are being accused. There are allegations that the SIT is being soft on the Devaswom Board members and the Tantri of 2019, although it has received statements and information that could implicate them. The investigation has not extended to the political leadership either. Padmakumar has revealed that Potty was working in Sabarimala under the authority of the Thantri family and that he became powerful with the support of the Thantri and officials. The SIT has recorded the statements of two Thantris, but no further action has been taken.

It has also been found that cladding works were carried out during the previous administration before the removal of the doorframe. The SIT says that correspondence with the Chennai-based Smart Creations Devaswom Board, which separated the gold, points to a planning and conspiracy for the gold theft. The SIT now needs to find out who in the government Potti approached to become a sponsor at Sabarimala.