Vigilance records Suresh Gopi’s statement in installation of new flag mast in Sabarimala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vigilance has recorded the statement of Union Minister Suresh Gopi in the installation of a new flag mast in Sabarimala. It is also heard that the statements of more film personalities including actor Mohanlal, will be recorded this week. Suresh Gopi's statement was recorded the other day.

The statements of 19 people who donated gold were recorded earlier. Due to his busy schedule, the statement of Suresh Gopi could not be recorded. Suresh Gopi had informed the vigilance that he would inform after February 22nd.

Film director Shaji Kailas, scriptwriter Renji Panicker and producer Suresh Kumar had given statements to the vigilance in the flag mast installation case. They donated gold in coins. The gold was handed over to ASP Kurup, who was the advocate commissioner. They also revealed the quantity of gold given. Of the total 9573 grams of gold required for the re-installation of the flag mast, 412.010 grams were donated by 27 devotees. All this was received under the leadership of Kurup.

The devaswom vigilance had earlier submitted a report in the high court stating that there was a serious violation of rules in accepting gold for the installation of a new flag mast (Kodimaram) in 2017. Visuals of Suresh Gopi, Gokul Suresh, Sudheer Karamana, Renji Panicker, Suresh Kumar and others participating in the function had surfaced. However, the list submitted by former advocate commissioner Kurup had included only Suresh Gopi's name. The high court has granted one month's time for the investigation in the flag mast case.