Kerala BJP Demands Action over Sabarimala Gold Theft Amid Presidential Visit

Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrashekhar has fiercely criticized the state administration over the Sabarimala gold theft, especially in light of President Droupadi Murmu's current visit to the state. Chandrashekhar remarked that President Murmu, visiting Kerala for a four-day official trip, will participate in a blessing ceremony at the Sabarimala temple and was kept informed of the disturbing developments surrounding the temple's gold theft, which deeply shocked her.

Chandrashekhar demanded strict legal action against the perpetrators and called for greater transparency in the administration of the temple. Earlier, a PRD release noted that President Murmu indeed offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple. During her visit, she was received by Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan.

Arriving at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for her official tour from October 21 to 24, President Murmu's visit coincides with intensified scrutiny over the theft issue, prompting Chandrasekhar to ask for the resignation of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan and the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of attempting to gloss over the incident, while asserting the BJP's opposition to such actions. Chandrasekhar believes that the disappearance of 4.5 kgs of gold from the sacred shrine is a significant crime, suggesting a larger conspiracy needing investigation over a 30-year period.

In recent developments, Unnikrishnan Potti has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is under Kerala High Court's supervision, as the primary suspect in the Sabarimala gold theft case. His arrest is connected to allegations of gold plating theft from the shrine's wooden panels and sculptures. This follows the fifth day of the probing SIT's ongoing examination of the case.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, P.S. Prasanth, previously suspended Assistant Engineer K. Sunil Kumar on charges linked to the theft. Kumar is now a named suspect in this high-profile case. Prasanth reaffirmed the government's and the board's commitment to recovering lost property and ensuring that wrongdoers are brought to justice, while expressing regret over criticisms and attacks aimed at the board, which he insists operates reverently in keeping with traditions.