CM Pinarayi Vijayan Questions Congress Over Fraudster’s Access to Sonia Gandhi in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has revealed that Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, had initially visited the residence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. During a press conference, the Chief Minister questioned the circumstances surrounding this meeting and also raised queries about the involvement of Congress leader and Member of Parliament Adoor Prakash in the controversy.
The Chief Minister emphatically asked, “Where did Potty first gain entry? Adoor Prakash claims he played no part in the meeting between Sonia Gandhi and Unnikrishnan Potty. Is Adoor Prakash someone who would simply go at Potty’s beckoning? How is it possible for high-level fraudsters to gain access to a prominent political figure like Sonia Gandhi? Is it merely a tactic to make light of the situation when there’s nothing substantial to say?”
Earlier, Adoor Prakash had alleged that the information regarding him being summoned for questioning originated from the Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, P. Sasi. The Chief Minister addressed this accusation directly, refuting Adoor Prakash’s claim.
Regarding the ongoing investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft, the Chief Minister clarified that former minister Kadakampally Surendran was questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to gain further clarity on the case. He emphasized that the SIT holds the authority to decide who should be questioned, and Kadakampally’s questioning was a part of their investigative process.
Chief Minister Vijayan further noted that the SIT does not typically disclose in advance who they intend to question. He questioned the motive behind the Leader of the Opposition’s apparent disappointment. He stated that those who habitually raise allegations concerning the Sabarimala gold theft are continuing this pattern. The investigation is proceeding under the strict supervision of the High Court, and the SIT is performing its duties commendably. He added that no complaints regarding the investigation have been received thus far, and neither the Chief Minister nor his office has exerted any influence. He also highlighted that placing the investigation under High Court supervision was a proposal put forth by his government.