• Source:JND

Sabarimala Gold Scam: In the new regime in Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) renewed their demand for a CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold scam. On Tuesday, Kerala BJP MLAs wrote to Chief Minister VD Satheesan demanding an immediate Central agency-led investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft.

The saffron party MLAs also demanded unconditional withdrawal of all cases registered against devotees during the Sabarimala agitation.

BJP Reminds Satheesan's Stand On The Scam

BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan reminded CM Satheesan of his stand on the scam during the Left rule. Satheesan publicly demanded a CBI investigation into the case during his tenure as Opposition Leader, he said, adding that two Cabinet meetings under the new government were held, yet no decision on the CBI probe has been taken.

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"The delay in ordering a CBI probe was unjustified. The BJP leaders also sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy behind the scam," said the BJP leaders.

What Is The Sabarimala Gold Scam?

The Sabarimala gold scam was reported after a gold theft at the famous Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. The scam surfaced last year, triggering a huge political row against the then Pinarayi Vijayan government. The gold plating, approximately 30 kg, donated by businessman Vijay Mallya in 1998 for the temple's gatekeeper idols (Dwarapalakas) and the doorframe of the sanctum sanctorum, was removed in 2019 under the guise of repair. A special commissioner's report and a High Court investigation revealed that 4.5 kg of gold was stolen from the temple.

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According to the BJP, the case involving former Devaswom Board presidents and senior board officials requires a deeper probe, while allegations raised against two former Devaswom Ministers should also come under investigation.

Muraleedharan said the inquiry should examine the alleged links of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, with several persons, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The alleged international connections in the case, flagged earlier by the High Court, should also be investigated, he said.

(With IANS inputs)


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