‘I was sure you would come in search of me’, Padma Kumar tells investigating officers; Kadakampally likely to be questioned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran is likely to be questioned. His interrogation is based on the statement of A Padma Kumar, former Travancore Devaswom Board president and CPM Pathanamthitta district committee member, arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

Padma Kumar told the investigating team that the door frames were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty with the knowledge of the then devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran. Padma Kumar had earlier said that people considered godlike are behind the theft.

Padma Kumar, arrested yesterday has been remanded. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) may seek his custody soon. Reports said the documents written in his own handwriting turned against him.

Padma Kumar made corrections in the board’s minutes without the consent of the members. The corrections were made with green ink and this turned crucial evidence. Padma Kumar smilingly spoke to the investigation team. He told SIT that he was sure that they would come in search of him.

The SIT has found that Padma Kumar was the first to direct the board to hand over the sheets to Unnikrishnan Potty. The board officials had given statements that Padma Kumar gave instructions in favor of Potty.

Padma Kumar is the sixth to be arrested in the case and the second board president. Former president N Vasu has been remanded. The board, which Padma Kumar presided over, was included as the eighth accused in the case. Board members K P Sankaradas and A Vijayakumar may also be arrested. Padma Kumar produced before the Kollam Vigilance Court last night, was remanded for 14 days and sent to Thiruvananthapuram sub-jail.