Chennithala alleges international links in Sabarimala gold case, urges SIT to probe deeper

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday raised serious concerns over the Sabarimala gold loss case, suggesting possible links to international antique smuggling networks. In a letter to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case, he called for a deeper probe into the matter.

The letter, excerpts of which have been made public, describes the case as the "tip of the iceberg," indicating a larger operation aimed at plundering and smuggling priceless antiques, idols, and other valuable articles from Hindu temples. According to Chennithala, information received by him points to a conspiracy between the Devaswom Board and organized antique smuggling networks, which allegedly yielded around Rs 500 crore in illegal gains.

He noted that the individuals arrested so far appear to be only "co-actors," while the primary perpetrators are still at large and have not yet been reached by the investigation. Chennithala also alleged that industrialists and organized rackets within the state could be part of this network, and that the stolen items might have moved through international channels.

The former Kerala Home Minister expressed his willingness to provide the SIT with further details if the team undertakes a broader investigation into the alleged rackets and mafia links behind the gold theft. He claimed that a source close to the matter is ready to cooperate fully with the SIT and even give testimony in court, though reluctant to go public.

Despite extensive SIT investigations, the missing gold plates from the hill shrine have not been recovered, prompting Chennithala to call for urgent action to uncover the deeper conspiracy behind the case.