Surendran Alleges Sabarimala Gold Theft Cover-Up
K. Surendran, former State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has publicly accused authorities of intentionally delaying the arrest of Unnikrishnan Potti, the primary suspect in the Sabarimala temple gold theft case. Surendran asserts this delay is a concerted effort to shield more influential individuals involved in the crime.
Addressing a press conference in Thrissur on Saturday, Surendran suggested that while the investigation might eventually include the former Devaswom Commissioner and ex-Travancore Devaswom Board president, he doubts it will reach beyond them to the true masterminds. He vehemently stated, “Top leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI (M)] cannot feign ignorance—nothing of this magnitude occurs without their explicit knowledge,” further accusing the state government of systematically plundering temple assets across Kerala.
Surendran also claimed that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has consistently undermined investigative efforts, pointing to the recent gold plating work at Sabarimala as proof. He questioned, “The government has no idea how much gold has disappeared. These rushed temple works are merely a smokescreen to protect the guilty parties. How can the TDB proceed with such significant gold plating without the express approval of the Kerala High Court?”
He reiterated his demand for the case to be transferred to Central investigative agencies, highlighting that even Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has voiced support for such a transfer.
Surendran on the Kochi Hijab Controversy
Regarding the recent Hijab controversy at a school in Kochi, Surendran sharply criticized Education Minister V. Sivankutty for what he termed “unsubstantiated remarks.” He called upon the Minister to review past court rulings, emphasizing that “the court has explicitly affirmed that school managements hold the authority to determine uniform policies. It is extremist organizations, not genuine concerns, that are attempting to exploit the Hijab issue to sow discord and fragment society.”