Sabarimala Gold Robbery Accused Files Complaint Against MLA Over Alleged Land Fraud Setup
Thiruvananthapuram: In a dramatic twist to the ongoing Sabarimala gold robbery investigation, Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused in the high-profile case, has lodged a formal complaint with the state police chief. The complaint targets former minister and Kazhakkoottam MLA Kadakampally Surendran, accusing him of orchestrating a land fraud complaint as a deliberate ploy to trap Potti and divert attention from the gold robbery probe.
Allegations of Political Interference and Fabricated Charges
Potti alleges in his complaint that MLA Surendran instigated a woman from Kazhakkoottam, identified as Prathibha, to file a complaint accusing him of illegally grabbing her land. According to Potti, this land was legally purchased, and the complaint is part of a calculated effort to embroil him in another legal battle. He claims that Surendran previously approached him seeking financial assistance for Prathibha, suggesting the complaint was orchestrated to send him back to jail and prevent the investigation from reaching the MLA.
The complaint includes references indicating that Surendran maintained close contact with Potti in the past. Potti states that he purchased 10 cents of land belonging to Prathibha in 2017, which later evolved into a financial dispute. In 2024, discussions were held at Thumba police station to resolve the matter, with Surendran acting as an intermediary, according to the complaint.
Timing of Allegations Amid Bail and Ongoing Investigations
These fresh allegations emerge shortly after Potti secured bail in cases linked to the Sabarimala gold robbery on February 5. The bail was granted after the prosecution failed to file a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day period. Soon after his release, Prathibha filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), alleging that Potti fraudulently took possession of her land in 2020 and later sold it. She claimed the property was given as security and was unlawfully sold by Potti.
Following Prathibha's complaint, the SIT initiated an investigation into the alleged land fraud. Potti's new complaint against Surendran adds a layer of complexity, suggesting political motives behind the land fraud case. This development raises questions about potential interference in the Sabarimala gold robbery investigation, which has already garnered significant public and media attention.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Kerala's political landscape, with accusations flying between key figures involved in high-stakes legal battles. As investigations proceed, the allegations could impact the credibility of the probes and the individuals involved, underscoring the need for transparent and impartial judicial processes.
