CPI(M) leader Padmakumar summoned in Sabarimala gold heist probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala temple gold heist has issued a notice to senior CPI(M) leader and former MLA A. Padmakumar, marking a significant escalation in the case that has already unsettled the ruling party. Padmakumar, who served as president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in 2019 when the theft occurred, is now expected to appear for questioning as investigators widen their net.

The development follows the arrest of N. Vasu, a close aide of the CPI(M) and former TDB commissioner, who was taken into custody on Tuesday. Vasu had held the top administrative post at the time of the theft, and his arrest is the first direct political link in the case, which had previously seen four arrests without political connections.

In recent days, the SIT has interrogated several officials, secretaries, and employees associated with the Board during the period in question. Sources indicate that investigators have gathered substantial evidence pointing to procedural lapses and possible collusion within the temple administration. With Padmakumar now under scrutiny, the probe has clearly entered politically sensitive territory, posing fresh challenges for the CPI(M) ahead of upcoming local body elections.

Officials familiar with the investigation suggest that more arrests are likely in the next phase, including intermediaries and individuals already named in the case. The Opposition has accused the CPI(M) leadership of attempting to shield key figures until the court-monitored inquiry forced the matter into the open.

Amid mounting pressure, the Congress party is staging a large protest outside the State Secretariat, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan, another senior CPI(M) leader. The SIT continues its investigation, with further action expected following Padmakumar’s appearance.

(Inputs from IANS)