05 February,2026 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Opposition leader alleged that CPI(M) leaders arrested in connection with the case would also soon be released on bail. Representational Image
Opposition parties in Kerala on Thursday alleged a deliberate delay by the state government in filing charge sheets in the Sabarimala gold theft loss case, claiming it allowed the accused to secure statutory bail.
Leader of the opposition in the assembly, VD Satheesan, said the bail granted to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, was part of a larger conspiracy.
"There is a conspiracy to ensure that all the arrested persons are released, and the bail granted to Potty is part of it," he told reporters.
Satheesan also claimed that delays in the investigation could lead to evidence being destroyed.
"When all the arrested persons come out of jail, the evidence collected will be destroyed," he warned.
Satheesan further alleged that CPI(M) leaders arrested in connection with the case would also soon be released on bail.
"If these persons had remained in jail, more senior leaders who were next in line would also have gone to jail. This conspiracy is meant to prevent that, and our allegations are proving to be correct," Satheesan added.
CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan hit back at the opposition, accusing Satheesan of misleading the public.
"Knowing that the case is moving towards senior Congress leaders, they are making deliberate interventions," he said, adding that it was the opposition leader who had raised questions about the SIT and demanded a CBI probe.
BJP state vice-president B Gopalakrishnan also weighed in, alleging that the arrest of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru was meant to protect a minister.
"It is an attempt to suppress an awakening Hindu society," he said, claiming CPI(M) leaders were now focusing only on the Tantri while ignoring the actual accused, including Potty and former MLA Padmakumar.
"For them, there is only one accused - the Tantri. This is a conspiracy to protect the real accused," Gopalakrishnan added.
The Sabarimala gold theft cases relate to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at the Lord Ayyappa temple following the replating of claddings on the artefacts.
The Kerala High Court had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the cases.
(With PTI Inputs)
