Congress MP Accuses SIT of Political Leaks in Sabarimala Gold Investigation
Congress Member of Parliament Adoor Prakash has made serious allegations against the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile Sabarimala gold loss case. The MP claims that the investigative body is deliberately leaking sensitive information to the media under the direction of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala.
Interrogation Sparks Controversial Claims
Prakash leveled these accusations while responding to questions from journalists regarding his recent interrogation by the SIT. The investigation team questioned the Congress parliamentarian about his alleged connections with Unnikrishnan Potty, who has been identified as the prime accused in the mysterious disappearance of gold from the famous Sabarimala temple.
The MP asserted that the timing and nature of information leaks suggest a coordinated effort to damage his political reputation. He emphasized that while he fully cooperated with the investigation, he believes the SIT's actions are being manipulated for political purposes rather than pursuing genuine justice in the case.
Background of the Temple Gold Controversy
The Sabarimala gold loss case has captured national attention since its emergence, involving significant quantities of precious metal reportedly missing from the temple's vaults. The investigation has been ongoing for several months, with multiple individuals being questioned about their potential involvement or knowledge of the incident.
Unnikrishnan Potty, the central figure in the investigation, has been under scrutiny for his alleged role in the gold disappearance. The SIT's decision to interrogate Adoor Prakash about his connections to Potty has added a political dimension to what was already a sensitive religious and criminal investigation.
Political Implications of the Allegations
Prakash's accusations against the LDF government represent a significant escalation in the political tensions surrounding the case. The Congress MP suggested that the ruling coalition is using the investigation as a tool to target political opponents ahead of upcoming elections.
"This is not about finding the truth or recovering the missing gold," Prakash reportedly told journalists. "This is about creating a narrative that serves the political interests of those in power."
The allegations come at a time when temple administration and security have become increasingly politicized issues in Kerala. The Sabarimala temple, one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites, has been at the center of multiple controversies in recent years regarding management, rituals, and now security of valuable assets.
Investigation Timeline and Public Response
The SIT has been investigating the gold loss case since late 2025, following reports that substantial quantities of gold offerings had disappeared from the temple's secure storage. The investigation has proceeded through several phases:
- Initial discovery of discrepancies in temple gold inventories
- Formation of the Special Investigation Team to handle the sensitive case
- Questioning of temple officials and staff members
- Identification of Unnikrishnan Potty as a prime suspect
- Recent interrogation of political figures including Adoor Prakash
Public interest in the case remains high, with many devotees expressing concern about the security of offerings at one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage destinations. The allegations of political interference have further complicated public perception of the investigation's integrity.
Official Responses and Next Steps
Neither the SIT nor representatives of the LDF government have issued formal responses to Prakash's allegations at the time of reporting. Legal experts suggest that accusations of evidence leaks could potentially impact the admissibility of certain information if the case proceeds to trial.
The Congress MP has indicated he may pursue formal complaints regarding what he describes as "investigative misconduct" and "political weaponization of law enforcement." Meanwhile, the SIT is expected to continue its investigation into the gold disappearance, which authorities have described as one of the most significant temple security breaches in recent Kerala history.
As the controversy develops, observers are watching closely to see how the allegations of political interference might affect both the investigation's progress and the broader political landscape in Kerala, where temple administration has frequently intersected with state politics.
