Thiruvananthapuram, February 5: The Sabarimala gold theft case continues to dominate Kerala’s political landscape. The main accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, was released from jail after being granted legal bail. This issue has sparked chaos in the state assembly for the fourth consecutive day.
The assembly proceedings have been suspended and will resume on February 23.
Potti, named as the first accused in the charge sheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), is one of 13 defendants in two cases related to the alleged gold theft. Following his bail, he became the fourth accused to secure release in this case.
The opposition has consistently accused the government of protecting influential individuals and undermining the investigation. Members of the Congress-led opposition disrupted proceedings, demanding a thorough and impartial inquiry, claiming the case has significant implications and potential political connections. In contrast, the ruling party defended itself by referencing oral remarks made by the Kerala High Court on Wednesday.
The court stated that the granting of bail should not be a cause for concern, emphasizing that bail does not equate to acquittal and that those who have committed wrongdoings will not escape the law.
Senior legislators from the ruling party argued that the SIT investigation is proceeding according to legal protocols and that the inquiry will continue despite any accused receiving bail. They accused the opposition of deliberately misleading the public by equating bail with innocence.
Speaker A.N. Shamsheer remarked, “It is unclear why the opposition is not interested in discussing this issue in the assembly, while the government is prepared to do so.”
Despite repeated assurances from the government, the opposition insisted that the manner in which this case is unfolding has eroded public trust.
CWC member and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala responded to the day’s events, expressing concern that now that Potti is out, their fears have been confirmed that the government is attempting to suppress the case.
Chennithala stated, “We will continue our opposition as the government handles this case. Now that Potti is out, normalcy will return, and other incarcerated individuals will soon be released as well.”
Meanwhile, with Potti’s release, it remains to be seen whether the Enforcement Directorate will summon him for questioning, as they have also initiated their investigation.
The Sabarimala gold theft case, involving allegations of illegally removing and misusing gold associated with temple offerings, has become a significant issue ahead of upcoming political battles in the state, with both sides hardening their positions as legal proceedings continue.
