Special investigation team inspects house in Aranmula; Sabarimala gold robbery case becomes Gordian knot for Padmakumar

PATHANAMTHITTA: The special investigation team is conducting an inspection at the Aranmula residence of former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar, who was arrested in the Sabarimala gold robbery case. Information came out the other day that conspiracy talks related to the gold robbery took place at Padmakumar's house. The inspection has been going on for the past two hours. People, including women officials, have arrived for the inspection. The investigation team had conducted similar inspections at the houses of those arrested earlier in the case.

Padmakumar is the sixth and second board president to be arrested in the case. Former president N. Vasu is in remand. The board chaired by Padmakumar was included as the eighth accused in the case. Padmakumar, who did not appear despite being sent notices several times, reached for questioning yesterday morning after an ultimatum was given that he would be taken into custody. The questioning began at 10:30 am under the leadership of ADGP H Venkatesh at the Crime Branch headquarters. The arrest was recorded at 3:30 am.

The special investigation team's crucial finding is that Padmakumar was involved in assisting Unnikrishnan Potty, who was arrested in the case. The gold-plated copper plates were recorded as just copper plates as part of this. The investigation team has also been checking the account, money transaction information and financial sources of Padmakumar and his family members.