Sabarimala gold heist probe widens as SIT tracks new leads

The investigation into the Sabarimala gold heist has entered a sharper phase, with the Kerala High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) preparing to question more people after the arrest of former Devaswom Board president and ex-CPI(M) MLA A. Padmakumar. His recent statements, along with documents recovered during a long search at his home, have opened up fresh leads for investigators.

Padmakumar has alleged that the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti — who is suspected of conducting rituals using the gold-plated temple door panels — had approached former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and others seeking sponsorship for the rituals. Officers believe this could help them map out a wider network of people connected to the incident.

During a 12-hour search at Padmakumar’s residence in Aranmula, the SIT seized several documents that may help explain how the dismantled sanctum door panels ended up with Potti.

Padmakumar has also hinted that the decision to hand over the panels was not taken by him alone, raising questions about collective responsibility within the Devaswom Board. Former board members K.P. Sankaradas of the CPI and N. Vijayakumar of the CPI(M) have strongly denied involvement, saying the entry approving the transfer was added to the minutes without their consent.

The SIT is expected to summon more former Devaswom officials, including former administrative officer Rajendran. Investigators are examining evidence suggesting that Padmakumar himself wrote the order approving the transfer  the gold panels — described vaguely as ‘copper sheets’ — into the official record.

Padmakumar, now in judicial custody, may be taken back into SIT custody for further questioning. As the inquiry expands, more senior political and administrative figures may come under scrutiny, setting the stage for a tense few weeks.

The CPI(M) has held off on disciplinary action for now, worried that Padmakumar might implicate other leaders as the probe moves forward. Party leaders, reportedly following Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s advice, are waiting for the SIT’s final report before making any decision.

With local body elections scheduled for December 9 and 11, the gold heist has become a key campaign issue. Both the Congress and BJP have seized on it, adding further pressure on the ruling front.