M.V. Govindan says no one will be shielded in Sabarimala gold theft case

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] External Affairs Minister MV Govindan on Sunday said that no one will be spared in the ongoing investigation into the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple. He added that not even a single grain of gold should be lost from the temple.

Reacting to the bail order given to Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in the case, Mr. Govindan said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation is still ongoing and conclusions regarding the charges can be drawn only after the investigation is completed. “Our position is clear. Everyone involved will be arrested. No one will be protected,” he said.

‘A matter of politicization’

He claimed that congressional leaders were also linked to the case and criticized what he called selective outrage. Referring to earlier allegations about a missing ritual vessel, he claimed that there was little controversy when the charges against Congress leader KC Venugopal came to the fore. “The news becomes news only when it is against the CPI(M) and the government. The same does not happen when it is about the BJP or the Congress,” he said. Mr. Govindan also alleged that both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were trying to politicize the issue.

Responding to suggestions that the arrest was linked to Tantri’s reported opposition to the entry of women into Sabarimala, he said the investigation was based solely on allegations of financial irregularities.

He also commented on the Youth Congress protest where a wreath was laid at the residence of Health Minister Veena George, claiming that it was done deliberately to provoke conflict. “If such actions continue, there will be reactions and this may lead to conflicts,” he said.