'CPM-Congress Kuruva Gang' Behind Sabarimala Gold Heist, Says NDA; Announces Protest

Thiruvananthapuram: Launching a scathing attack on the LDF government, the NDA on Saturday alleged that the Sabarimala gold heist was executed by a "CPM-Congress Kuruva gang." BJP Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and leader K Surendran termed the recent arrest of the temple Tantri (chief priest) a diversionary tactic to deflect public attention from the ruling front's setback in the local body elections.

Addressing a press conference here, Chandrasekhar claimed a high-level political conspiracy behind the theft. "This is an unholy alliance. The prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, is being shielded by a nexus that involves the leadership of both the CPM and the Congress, extending to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Sonia Gandhi," he alleged.

Chandrasekhar questioned the logic of targeting the spiritual head of the temple while the administrative heads remained untouched. "Why is the Tantri being hunted while the Devaswom Minister and officials, who are the custodians of the temple's assets, are spared? The government is trying to destroy the sanctity of Sabarimala," he said.

Selective Targeting

Surendran slammed the move to charge the Tantri with conspiracy under IPC 120 (B), particularly linking it to the women's entry issue. "If a case is to be registered for violating customs, the first accused should be the Chief Minister. The real conspiracy to breach tradition by escorting activists to the shrine was hatched in the CM's office," he alleged.

Pointing out alleged discrepancies in the investigation, he said, "The statement of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, explicitly mentions former minister Kadakampally Surendran and former Devaswom Board president Prashanth. Yet, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has refrained from arresting them despite questioning. The remand report fails to show that the Tantri made any financial gain from the theft."

Protest on Makaravilakku Day

To protest the "political witch-hunt" and expose the alleged corruption, the NDA announced a state-wide campaign on January 14, coinciding with the holy Makaravilakku day, when it will organise an 'Ayyappa Jyothi' protest. Believers have been asked to light lamps in their homes and public places as a symbolic resistance against the government's actions.

High Court Restricts Devotees

Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has imposed strict regulations on the number of devotees allowed for darshan at Sabarimala for Makaravilakku. These measures aim to manage the heavy rush and ensure the safety of pilgrims during the peak festival days.

Key Restrictions on Darshan

The High Court order specifies a cap on the number of pilgrims for the most crucial days of the festival. It allowed 40,000 devotees on January 13 and 35,000 pilgrims (30,000 slots via virtual queue and 5,000 slots via spot booking) on January 14. To prevent overcrowding at the Sannidhanam (hilltop shrine), the court has barred travelling from Nilakkal to Pamba after 10 am on January 14, and trekking from Pamba to the Sannidhanam will be suspended after 11 am.

With only a few days left for the festival, the influx of devotees remains high. Since the temple reopened for the Makaravilakku season, approximately eight lakh pilgrims have already visited. The major events, Makarajyothi and Makara Sankrama Puja, are scheduled for January 14.

Security and Management

The sixth batch of police personnel has taken charge at the shrine. Led by SP Sujith Das from the Thiruvananthapuram Police Headquarters, a team of 1,534 officers (including 11 DYSPs and 34 CIs) has been deployed. Special officers have instructed the team to prioritise the safety and smooth darshan of pilgrims at key points like the 18 Holy Steps (Pathinettam Padi), Sopanam and Nadappanthal.

Also Read

1. Sabarimala Gold Heist: Tantri Kandararu Rajeevar Arrested; ED Launches Money Laundering Probe
2. Your Song at Sabarimala: Devotees’ Melodies To Resound At The Hill Shrine