BJP slams Kerala govt for 'diversion' in Sabarimala gold theft case after Tantri's bail

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the CPI(M)-led government of a "deliberate diversion" in the Sabarimala gold theft probe, hours after visiting hospitalised Tantri Kantararu Rajeevaru—who got bail last week post-40 days in jail over alleged 4.5kg theft by broker Unnikrishnan Potti.

Chandrasekhar, calling the visit a "duty" amid Rajeevaru's health woes, decried the arrest sans "iota of evidence," citing court observations. He questioned why no cases target Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and ex-Minister Kadakampally Surendran for lapses letting Potti access temple treasures.

"Why has no case been filed against those constitutionally bound to protect Kerala’s temples? Why are they not in jail? " he asked reporters, alleging CM-directed SIT shields them and Assembly attacks unfairly target the undefended priest.

BJP and NDA vowed to protect devotees' faith and heritage from intimidation, standing firm against exploitation.

(Inputs from IANS)