Breaking Update: SIT has arrested former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner in the Sabarimala gold theft case. A conspiracy to pass off gold layers as copper was exposed. A storm created over both politics and faith in Kerala.
Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: The gold theft case related to Sabarimala temple in Kerala is getting deeper day by day. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has now arrested former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Baiju has been arrested. Baiju is the same officer who has been the official custodian of all the valuables of the temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). On Friday, the court sent him on remand till November 21.
Was the gold from the temple taken out by disguising it as copper?
Investigators say that a big conspiracy was hatched during Baiju’s tenure. He recorded the gold plated sheets of the Dvarapalaka idols and the Srikovil Kattila panel as copper sheets in the official records. Taking advantage of this documentary manipulation, the main accused Unnikrishnan Potti changed the real gold of the temple and smuggled it out.
SIT reveals: “Signs missing on important documents”
According to the SIT report, Baiju did not sign the handover order, and was not even present at the spot when the gold-plated objects were removed from the temple. The investigating agencies suspect that all this was done deliberately so that no one gets suspicious. These irregularities could not even reach the special commissioner appointed by the High Court.
Are other officers also under investigation?
- In this case, two more former officers Murari Babu and Sudhish Kumar are also in SIT custody.
- Former TDB Chairman N. Vasu can also be interrogated soon.
- After the strong comments of the High Court, the investigation is being carried forward more rapidly.
Political earthquake before pilgrimage season
This issue is no longer limited to theft only – Sabarimala gold theft has also shaken the politics of Kerala. BJP has launched a one crore signature campaign to “protect Sabarimala property” and sought the Prime Minister’s intervention. Congress is also going to take out a “Secretariat March” on November 12, in which the government will be accused of hiding corruption in TDB. Meanwhile, CPI(M) has also recommended reconstitution of the Travancore Devaswom Board which makes the issue more sensitive. The controversy has once again become a political focal point ahead of the local body elections.
- Was the temple property recorded in the form of copper and sent out?
- According to the SIT, Baiju manipulated the documents and declared the gold-plated idols to be copper.
- Which other officers are on the target of SIT?
- Two former officers Murari Babu and Sudhish Kumar have also been sent on remand.
- Will this case shake Kerala politics?
- Both BJP and Congress have intensified their agitation accusing the government.
- What is the role of High Court and Devaswom Board?
- Following the strictness of the High Court, reconstitution of the Devaswom Board has been recommended.