Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan on Thursday raised serious questions about the way the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the Sabarimala gold theft case, based on the alleged covert interrogation of senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) leader Kadakampalla Surendran and political interference by the Chief Minister’s office.
Speaking to the media in Guruvayur, he asked why Mr. Surendran was being questioned in total secrecy while news was deliberately leaked that former minister Adoor Prakash would be summoned for questioning. “Who planted this story? What was the purpose of keeping one interrogation secret while releasing another?” he asked.
Meeting inquiries
Mr. Satheesan alleged that the government was trying to “balance” the story to dilute the allegations against the CPI(M) leaders accused of the gold heist. He demanded that the high court re-examine the recent appointment of two officers to the SIT, saying they were inducted with the knowledge of two senior IPS officers and a senior crime branch official known for his allegiance to the CPI(M). According to him, the appointments were to leak details of the investigation and keep the investigation under political control.
He further accused the Chief Minister’s Office of pressurizing the SIT to delay the interrogation and arrest of influential CPI(M) leaders. “The court-appointed SIT must not function independently,” he said, urging the investigators to proceed without bowing to any pressure.
Referring to Mr. Surendran’s plea that no evidence was produced against him, Mr. Satheesan said such remarks reflected ignorance of basic legal procedures. “Doesn’t the ex-minister know that evidence cannot be presented arbitrarily outside the court process?” he asked.
He alleged that the CPI(M) leaders who were jailed in connection with the gold theft were protected by the party leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan. “Had the court not intervened, the Ayyappa idol itself could have been stolen,” he claimed, adding that more revelations were emerging in the case.
He also dismissed reports that Congress members in Mattathur had joined the BJP, calling them false and politically motivated. The problem, he said, stems from local rivalries and disciplinary action against those who have violated party decisions.
Published – 1 Jan 2026 20:21 IST
