Kerala’s simmering Sabarimala gold theft saga has taken a dramatic turn as senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala dismantles the SIT’s much-touted report. Labeling it ‘flawed and superficial,’ Chennithala highlighted inconsistencies that could unravel the entire probe into the audacious robbery of gold treasures from one of India’s holiest shrines.
The incident unfolded in the heart of Sabarimala, where burglars made off with gold worth crores, including antique pieces gifted over decades. The SIT, constituted under police commissioner Cyriac Joseph, submitted its report recently, claiming to have cracked the case with arrests of cleaners and electricians. Yet, Chennithala begs to differ, citing missing forensic links and ignored witness testimonies.
Speaking to reporters, he remarked, ‘How can a report close a case without tracing the gold’s whereabouts? This is incompetence at its peak.’ His critique aligns with UDF’s long-standing call for an impartial agency like CBI to take over, bypassing what they term ‘state-biased’ machinery.
Background reveals deeper woes: Poor lighting, outdated locks, and insider complicity enabled the theft. Post-incident, the government faced backlash for delaying action, with opposition alleging political interference to shield influential figures. Chennithala’s salvo comes amid rising devotee unrest, amplified on social media with hashtags like #JusticeForSabarimala.
The LDF dismissed the claims as ‘election gimmickry,’ with Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan defending the SIT’s rigor. However, as forensic re-examination looms, the gold’s recovery remains elusive. For millions of Ayyappa bhakthas, this isn’t just a theft—it’s a desecration demanding uncompromised truth. Political crossfire threatens to overshadow the upcoming pilgrimage season, testing Kerala’s administrative resolve.
