Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of attempting to cover up the gold theft at Sabarimala and dismissed his allegations against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as disgraceful.
Speaking to the media here on Friday, Mr. Satheesan said that the Opposition had never accused the Chief Minister of involvement in the gold theft case, despite the emergence of a photograph showing Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the case, standing alongside him. If Potti, who took a photo with the Chief Minister, also took one with Sonia Gandhi, what is wrong with that,” he asked.
Unnecessary interference from the Chief Minister’s Office has weakened the Kerala Police. The Opposition’s allegations, including the charge that parole was granted in exchange for money, have now been proven true.
He further alleged that the CPI(M) continued to protect two jailed party leaders accused of looting Lord Ayyappa’s gold at Sabarimala, fearing they may testify against more people. “It was to conceal this that the Chief Minister levelled allegations against Ms. Gandhi in his most undignified press conference to date. Talking about photos will not hide the gold theft,” he said.
Mr. Satheesan reminded how a vlogger brought to Kerala by PWD Minister Mohamed Riyaz was later arrested for espionage. “When allegations were raised against Mr. Riyas, the Opposition asked how the Minister could be blamed. Everyone takes photos with leaders. If someone later becomes an accused in a case, does that make the leaders guilty,” he asked.
The CPI(M) is facing a major backlash in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He added that the Opposition’s allegation that the Chief Minister’s Office interfered in a way that disrupts the police hierarchy has also been proven true. A DIG has raised allegations against a DGP, accusing him of granting parole to accused persons in exchange for money, while senior officials are said to be supporting the drug mafia.
Although numerous complaints were filed against Vinod Kumar, a senior police officer who is currently facing allegations, the CMO buried them. Vinod Kumar is directly connected to the CMO. “A mafia group is controlling the police,” Mr. Satheesan said.
Published – December 26, 2025 08:34 pm IST
