Vigilance records statements of film personalities on reconstruction of flag mast in Sabarimala 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vigilance has recorded the statements of film personalities in the case related to the reconstruction of the Sabarimala flag mast. Directors Shaji Kailas, Renji Panicker and producer Suresh Kumar, who donated gold for the construction of the flag mast, have given statements to the vigilance. Union Minister Suresh Gopi had also informed the vigilance that he is ready to give a statement in connection with the donation of gold. The vigilance is recording the statements of the 27 people who donated gold.

The devaswom vigilance had earlier submitted a report to the high court that there was a serious violation of rules in accepting gold for the reconstruction of the flag mast in 2017. The footage of Suresh Gopi, Gokul Suresh, Sudheer Karamana, Renji Panicker and Suresh Kumar among others participating in the function had emerged. However, only Suresh Gopi's name was included in the list submitted by former advocate commissioner ASP Kurup.

Suresh Gopi had given an explanation on it. He clarified that he himself had affixed gold sheets on the Vaji Vahanam. Suresh Gopi had also informed that his son Gokul Suresh, director Shaji Kailas and scriptwriter Renji Panicker had affixed gold on the Ashtadikpalaka idols.