Sabrimala gold theft: Kerala LoP demands Devaswom Board minister’s resignation

Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Tuesday, alleged that the Devaswom Board and the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPIM government are involved in the Sabarimala gold theft, demanding the resignation of Kerala Devaswom Board minister.

Satheesan claimed that the High Court of Kerala has found that the Dwara Balagar sculptures, which were taken to Chennai for polishing, did not actually go to Chennai.

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“The court found that the Dwara Balagar sculptures were sold to a purchaser. Somebody received a huge amount of money…It was sold out, and they sent it for polishing to Chennai. It was only a fake mould of the copper. This is a shocking incident; the Devaswom Board knew about this in 2022 itself. But they were not ready to initiate a FIR….,” he said.

He questioned the Devaswom Board for not initiating criminal proceedings against Unnikrishnan Potti, the sponsor of the gold-plating works.

“So many officials, authorities, both in government and in the Devaswom Board, are involved in this theft…We demanded the resignation of the Devaswom Board Minister and the board authorities. We will continue our strike inside and outside the assembly,” he said.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala echoed his party colleague, accusing the Kerala government of trying to shield the culprits who have stolen the gold ornaments from Sabarimala.

Calling it “highly shameful”, Chennithala said, For the last two days, we have been raising this issue in the house. But unfortunately, the CM is keeping mum. He is not ready to speak out. We are demanding the resignation of the Devaswom Board Minister.”

He further added, “As long as this minister continues, the free and fair inquiry will not be there. That is why we are demanding the minister’s resignation and the Devaswom Board’s dismissal. This is hurting crores and crores of Ayyappa devotees who are reaching this shrine.”