Key Facts
Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan has formally requested the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to withdraw a circular that appoints individuals facing investigation in the Sabarimala gold loss case to key positions within the board. The minister made this demand during a press conference in Guruvayur on Monday.
Muraleedharan revealed that he had written to TDB president K Jayakumar on Saturday, urging the withdrawal of the circular. He emphasized that while the board enjoys independent powers and the government cannot directly interfere, the appointment of those under probe raises serious concerns.
Details of the Minister's Statement
Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan stated, 'The board has independent powers and the government cannot directly interfere in its decisions. Even then, I have demanded that the circular appointing people facing investigation in the Sabarimala gold loss case to key posts be withdrawn.' He expressed confidence that Jayakumar, though appointed by the previous LDF government, is functioning impartially.
However, the minister warned that if the circular is not corrected, the state government would assume that the current board is also involved in the gold loss incident. He added that the Devaswom Department would decide on further action only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) files its charge sheets in the two related cases, which have not yet been submitted.
Impact and Future Steps
Muraleedharan indicated that if flaws are found in the charge sheets, the cabinet would decide on further investigations. 'We will intervene if the findings in the charge sheets are not satisfactory,' he said. He also noted that more revelations regarding Sabarimala are expected, citing former Devaswom minister V N Vasavan's statement that more disclosures are to come.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala clarified that media reports about former TDB president A Padmakumar's purported revelations do not warrant a fresh probe. 'Padmakumar is a prime accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case. If he makes any revelations, the SIT will examine whether they are relevant. There is no need for a fresh investigation,' Chennithala said. He added that the SIT, functioning under court supervision, can look into any significant revelations.
What Readers Should Know
- The circular in question appoints officials facing investigation in the Sabarimala gold loss case to key posts in the TDB.
- The SIT has not yet filed charge sheets in two cases related to the alleged gold loss.
- A Padmakumar, a prime accused, was arrested and later released on statutory bail after 90 days in custody.
- Padmakumar is also facing disciplinary proceedings within the CPI, with a decision expected from the party's Pathanamthitta district committee.
- Recent media reports claim that Padmakumar and senior police officer S Sreejith were deliberately kept away from Sannidhanam on the day two women entered the Sabarimala temple in January 2019, allegedly orchestrated by a 'highly influential person'.
FAQ
What is the Sabarimala gold loss case?
The Sabarimala gold loss case involves alleged irregularities and loss of gold at the Sabarimala temple, with several officials under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Who is A Padmakumar?
A Padmakumar is a former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board and a former MLA, who is a prime accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case. He was arrested by the SIT and later released on statutory bail.
What did the minister say about further investigations?
Minister K Muraleedharan stated that the Devaswom Department will decide on further action after the SIT files charge sheets. If flaws are found, the cabinet may order further investigations.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com