BJP MLA and national executive member V. Muraleedharan on September 24 demanded that the Kerala government clarify the status of the investigation into the alleged Sabarimala gold loot and explain the whereabouts of a 55.72-pavan (445.76-gram) gold crown reportedly missing from the Sabarimala strong room, after reports suggested that a similar crown made of sham gold was found in its place, while the Travancore Devaswom Board maintained that the original crown was safe in the strong room at Aranmula.
The MLA said that the crown was offered in 2012 by some devotees from Tamil Nadu. He said another report suggested that another crown weighing 240 grams of gold had been found during the stock-taking and that it looked like the original one.
In other words, it was utter confusion. He referred to the Devaswom Board’s statement that the crown was not lost and was safe in the strong room in Aranmula.
Muraleedharan demanded an explanation from the authorities regarding the real location of the crown, what the documents say, which crown was found in the strong room, etc. He asked the government to make clear the latest status of the investigation into the gold loot.
The High Court had instructed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to issue the charge sheet by September 22. Prosecution’s consent is necessary to issue the charge sheet against 13 persons out of 15. But the SIT has not yet applied for the consent. It is a challenge to the seriousness of the investigation.
Muraleedharan asked the UDF government to clarify the steps already taken to complete the investigation within the time frame and to issue the charge sheet.
The Home Ministry and the Devaswom Board should explain why the investigation actions are delayed despite the High Court’s instructions. UDF leaders kept campaigning during the Assembly election regarding the gold loot. But, after the elections and after taking over the government, they have kept mum. They raised the gold loot for the election victory and now do not say anything. This is a betrayal of trust.
Muraleedharan alleged that it denotes the mutual understanding among the constituents of the INDI Alliance. This is not acceptable. The government and Devaswom Board should ensure clear accounts and responsibility for the gold and precious ornaments of the deity. The authorities should clarify:
The latest status of the investigation into the gold loot.
What stops the SIT from issuing the charge sheet.
What is the real fact regarding the 445.76-gram gold crown.
The report of the missing crown speaks out that Sabarimala still remains a victim of the indifference of the authorities towards the Hindu temples and deities. It does not make any difference whether the LDF or UDF is at the helm.
The inventory is being conducted under the supervision of Justice K.T. Shankaran, the amicus curiae appointed by the Kerala High Court in connection with the alleged theft of gold at Sabarimala.
