Gold Mystery at Sabarimala: BJP Seeks CBI Intervention

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar has requested a CBI probe into the missing gold from Sabarimala temple, alleging political influence and cross-state involvement. He doubts the efficacy of the current SIT investigation. Former TDB president seeks bail while the Kerala High Court reviews the ongoing case.

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court calling for a CBI investigation into the alleged gold theft from the Sabarimala temple. He claims that the theft spans multiple states and involves officials with political connections outside Kerala.

The petition raises concerns about the impartiality of the Travancore Devaswom Board, alleging political affiliations with the ruling party. Chandrasekhar doubts the effectiveness of the current Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry, arguing that a central agency like the CBI could conduct a more thorough investigation.

A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar heard the petition and identified certain defects, with a review scheduled for next week. Meanwhile, former TDB president A Padmakumar, implicated in the case, is seeking bail with the Kerala High Court set to assess the investigation's progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)