Kochi High Court Petition Demands CBI Investigation into Sabarimala Temple Gold Theft
Two members of the Akhila Tanthri Pracharak Sabha have approached the Kerala High Court in Kochi with a significant petition. Chairman M S Sreerajasekharan Potti and another Sabha member filed this legal document seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged gold heist at the sacred Sabarimala temple.
Allegations of Political Cloud Over Investigation
The petition makes serious allegations about the current investigation process. It claims that a political cloud has surrounded the entire probe into the temple theft. Certain media reports have expressed suspicion about influential persons remaining free from arrest. These reports specifically allege involvement of political higher-ups from the ruling front.
Despite the High Court previously observing that the ongoing investigation appeared proper, the petitioners point to several deviations. They highlight unnecessary exercises by the special investigation team. These include the induction of two additional officers without clear justification.
Accusations Against Special Investigation Team
The petition presents a troubling picture of the SIT's approach. It alleges that the investigation team is shielding real culprits due to political influence from the ruling front. Meanwhile, temple priests and ritual specialists face targeting as scapegoats in this high-profile case.
After the arrest of tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, the SIT failed to trace any direct evidence against him. Yet investigators arraigned him as an accused based on a specific allegation. They claim he permitted removal of gold-clad copper coverings without obtaining proper permission from the deity.
High Court's Initial Response and Adjournment
During Monday's hearing, the High Court made oral observations about the petition timing. Justices noted there was no apparent reason for petitioners to approach the court at this stage. The bench had already passed approximately ten orders in this matter previously.
Despite these observations, the court decided to adjourn the petition for further consideration. The hearing will resume on February 4, when this petition will be considered alongside similar petitions regarding the temple theft investigation.
Investigation Progress and Missing Gold
The petition raises fundamental questions about investigation effectiveness. Apart from making certain arrests, the investigation team has failed to trace the missing gold belonging to Lord Ayyappa. Nearly four months have elapsed since the investigation began with minimal progress in recovering the stolen temple treasures.
This lack of tangible results fuels concerns about the investigation's direction and effectiveness. The petitioners emphasize that without recovering the stolen gold, the investigation remains incomplete regardless of arrests made.
The case continues to develop as the High Court prepares to hear multiple petitions regarding this sensitive temple security matter next month.
