Wayanad (Kerala), February 10 Congress leader V D Satheesan alleged on Tuesday that there were "agents" of the CPI(M) within the SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold theft cases, and that they were "selectively leaking information" to the media about the investigation.
Satheesan stated that when former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendren was questioned in connection with the two cases, it took 3-4 days before the information became public.
However, he claimed that when UDF convener Adoor Prakash was questioned, the information was leaked to the media even before he reached the office of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
"Therefore, there are agents of the CPI(M), of the government, from the Chief Minister's Office within the SIT who are selectively leaking information," he alleged at a press briefing here.
The SIT is investigating the cases related to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple.
Regarding the Kerala High Court order directing a vigilance probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold and money in connection with the installation of a new temple flag mast at the Sabarimala shrine in 2017, Satheesan said that the party welcomes the investigation.
He contended that all the activities related to the installation of the new flag mast were carried out in the presence of a High Court-appointed advocate commissioner and in accordance with the rules and regulations.
He further claimed that the High Court had appreciated the work done by the advocate commissioner and his report regarding the flag mast installation.
"This was not done secretly, like in the case of gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil in violation of the rules, regulations, and the High Court manual," he contended.
Satheesan said that the party was not against the investigation and was not concerned about it.
The High Court ordered the vigilance probe based on a report by the Sabarimala Chief Vigilance Officer following a complaint by a devotee alleging discrepancies in connection with the installation of the flag mast.
The Chief Vigilance Officer claimed that the discrepancies noticed during his preliminary probe were of a grave nature and warranted a detailed enquiry to rule out offences such as criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, falsification of records, and cheating, punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
