Sabarimala Gold Theft Sparks Political Tensions, Demands for Accountability

In the aftermath of the controversial Sabarimala gold theft, former Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has met with President Droupadi Murmu at Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. Muraleedharan expressed confidence that this discussion would pave the way for justice, as the gold theft incidents at Sabarimala have deeply affected devotees.

The delegation, including key Kerala BJP figures, detailed the theft incidents to President Murmu. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala BJP chief, criticized the response of the Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan and demanded his resignation. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of attempting to downplay the matter, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.

The situation has led to significant political discord, with calls for the Devaswom Board's dissolution and a comprehensive probe into the temple's affairs over the past 30 years. The Special Investigation Team's recent arrest of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, reflects the escalating seriousness of the case.