Sabarimala gold theft case: Noose tightening for former Devaswom board presidents

PATHANAMTHITTA: The crucial documents and statements found in the house of former Devaswom Board executive officer D. Sudheesh Kumar in the Sabarimala gold theft case could implicate former presidents A. Padmakumar and N. Vasu.

The investigation team found a letter written by N. Vasu in his own handwriting from Sudheesh Kumar's house regarding the gold plating. It is reported that Sudheesh Kumar stated to the investigation team that he had written copper plating on the Mahazar despite being convinced that it was gold-plated. Sudheesh said that he wrote the details as per the Devaswom Board's instructions. Based on this, the phone calls made by Sudheesh with former Devaswom presidents will be examined.

The investigation team assesses that N. Vasu, who held important positions in Sabarimala for many years as Devaswom Commissioner and later as President, had close ties with Unnikrishnan Potty and a clear understanding of the gold theft. Based on this, more evidence is being presented for questioning. Vasu failed to answer many of the SIT's questions. There is a possibility that Vasu will be arrested and produced in court once the interrogation is completed.

More than 20 people, including Devaswom board members, who are linked to the gold theft, are under the surveillance of the Special Investigation Team. Many of them are being questioned in person and in the office. If action is taken against former Devaswom president A. Padmakumar, it would be a setback for the government. There are indications that efforts have started to prevent arrests of senior leaders.