CBI to climb holy Sabarimala hills?

The investigation into the gold theft in Sabarimala is not limited to Kerala. The gold plating removed from the Dwarapalaka sculptures was taken to another state. At the very least, a detailed investigation will be required in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to Kerala. A special investigation team is currently investigating under the supervision of the High Court. A few officials holding high positions in the Devaswom Board, including two former Devaswom presidents, have also been accused in the case, while a few others were already arrested. Since there is supervision by the High Court, it can be assumed that the investigation is moving in the right direction. However, there are criticisms from some quarters that the investigation and subsequent arrests are being slowed down in connection with the Panchayat elections.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala raised allegations in a press conference that gold ornaments were smuggled abroad and an antiquities scam worth Rs 500 crore was committed. The esteemed High Court itself was the first to raise doubts about whether a foreign-style gold robbery took place in Sabarimala. Whether the valuables in Sabarimala were smuggled abroad is a matter that needs to be ascertained through a thorough investigation. This is not something that the Special Investigation Team under the state government can do alone. It requires the help of police in other states and national investigation agencies. If it is found that the Sabarimala gold was smuggled abroad, the scale of the theft will cross all boundaries, and the consequences awaiting the state will be drastic.

Therefore, it would be more credible if a national agency like the CBI, which is capable of investigating cases in other states and abroad, took the reins of the case. It is expected that the High Court will decide in this regard after evaluating the prima facie evidence in light of the allegations. The Enforcement Directorate, a central agency, has already started the process of investigating the gold theft in the Sabarimala temple. The ED has filed an application in the Kollam Vigilance Court seeking a certified copy of the information in this case. The ED requested copies of the FIRs, remand reports, statements of the arrested persons, seized documents, of the case.

Believers want those who conspired in the smuggling not to escape the net of the law. Whether it is a Tantri or a minister, if the crime is proven, the accused, devoid of his status, should go behind bars. All this must be proven beyond doubt in an investigation backed by facts and evidence. It is appropriate for the most skilled investigative agency in India, the CBI, to come to Sabariamala’s rescue.