Sabarimala gold loot: SIT moves puts CPM in a fix

The speculation that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Sabarimala temple gold heist, may arrest former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and CPM leader A Padmakumar has put the Left party in a difficult situation in Kerala, ahead of the local body polls.

The CPM fears that the arrest of another party leader in connection with the loot of gold will lead to a major setback to it in the local body elections. The Left Front, which is expecting a good show in the polls, is worried that the controversies related to the Sabarimala gold will come as a setback to the party in the local body polls.

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A Padmakumar has not yet appeared before the investigation team despite the SIT issuing notices to appear for questioning in connection with the gold looting. There are reports that the SIT is making moves to arrest and question Padmakumar in the wake of his continuous failure to appear before the probe team. Earlier, it had arrested former TDB president N Vasu, who is close to CPM leaders. The fact that the investigation is moving towards more CPM leaders is sending shock waves to the party leadership.

There are reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will investigate the case under the provisions of the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). This development also is worrying the CPM leadership in Kerala.

Meanwhile, the collection of samples for scientific testing of gold plating will be conducted on Monday. The SIT will collect samples after the Ucha puja( midday puja) on Monday.

The Kerala High Court on November 5 granted the SIT permission to conduct a detailed scientific examination of the gold-plated sheets currently installed on the Dwarapalaka sculptures, door frames and other artifacts. The part of the frames covered with gold contributed by Vijay Mallya in 1998 will also be examined. Through this, it is expected that the weight of the lost gold can be ascertained.