'Criminal conspiracy has taken place in sending Dwarapalaka panels for gold plating in 2025, Devaswom Minister and Board should resign'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AICC General Secretary and MP KC Venugopal has demanded the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and the Travancore Devaswom Board following the Kerala High Court’s interim order, which observed that the current board had deliberately concealed the 2019 Sabarimala gold theft while entrusting Unnikrishnan Potty with the task of gold plating the Dwarapalaka idols in 2025.

Venugopal said the High Court had clearly observed that a criminal conspiracy had taken place in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft. The court’s findings, he noted, reinforce the allegation that the theft occurred with the silent approval of the Devaswom Board.

“Just as fake records were created during the 2019 gold plating, a criminal conspiracy has taken place in sending the Dwarapalaka panels for gold plating in 2025. Under these circumstances, neither the present Devaswom Board nor the Devaswom Minister has any moral right to remain in office,” Venugopal said.

He further alleged that the incident at Sabarimala was an organised act of theft, facilitated by both the board and the state government.

“This gold theft is not confined to a few officials. No one should think they can escape by blaming only the 2019 board. Since the court itself has pointed out suspicious circumstances, if the board and the minister have any sense of decency, they should resign immediately. If they attempt to justify the wrongdoing or shield those responsible, the Congress will lead a strong public agitation,” he warned.