Proceedings in the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday were marked by significant disorder as opposition MLAs vocally protested against the handling of the Sabarimala gold theft investigation. Members of the opposition displayed placards within the Assembly, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan. They expressed their belief that the state government has not adequately addressed the issues surrounding the inquiry into the alleged theft.

As tensions escalated, Law Minister P. Rajeev addressed the assembly, emphasizing that the investigation is being overseen by the High Court. He stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is under judicial supervision, indicating that the government does not need to issue an opinion on the Kollam Court’s recent bail order concerning the temple’s Tantri.

Regarding the bail granted to the Sabarimala Tantri, Rajeev pointed out that the High Court is actively monitoring the investigation and noted the importance of judicial rulings. He characterized the court’s decision as comparable to a final judgment, underscoring what he described as anomalies within the order permitting the Tantri’s release on bail.

Rajeev reiterated the High Court’s assertion that the ongoing investigation is progressing appropriately and without errors. He criticized remarks made by opposition leader K. Babu, stating they contradicted the High Court’s findings. He underscored that the investigation is strictly under the auspices of the High Court’s Division Bench, and the government is not involved in the examination of any reports, which are sealed and submitted directly to the court.

The Law Minister claimed that the opposition’s continued protests are politically motivated and lack substance, especially in light of the High Court’s confirmation of the investigation’s fairness. He further made historical references to the Congress party, indicating that their past actions have contributed to the political landscape that currently enables BJP’s agendas.

The protests by opposition members culminated in a walkout from the Assembly, indicating their discontent with the government’s handling of the Sabarimala gold theft case. The allegations involve the misappropriation of roughly 4.54 kilograms of gold from sacred temple items, such as the door frames of the Sreekovil and Dwarapalaka idols, reportedly occurring in 2019 under the guise of refurbishing temple structures.

Controversy surrounding donation made in 1998 by Vijay Mallya

This ongoing controversy traces back to a donation made in 1998 by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who provided 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for temple enhancements. Subsequent investigations and inquiries, conducted with court oversight, have unveiled discrepancies between the donated gold and the amount reported to have been used, prompting the establishment of the SIT probe.

The Sabarimala gold theft case has attracted considerable public interest due to the religious significance of the temple, and the legal proceedings continue under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court as further developments take place.

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