SIT Questions Former Devaswom Board President A. Padmakumar in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is questioning A. Padmakumar, the former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board, in connection with the Sabarimala gold robbery case. Padmakumar appeared before the SIT for interrogation on Thursday morning. The questioning is taking place at a secret location in Thiruvananthapuram. The current focus is on whether A. Padmakumar will face arrest following this session.
Meanwhile, N. Vasu, who was arrested earlier in the gold theft case, has been remanded into SIT custody until 4 PM on Thursday. Vasu and Padmakumar are likely to be interrogated together.
The investigative team believes that Padmakumar provided all assistance to Unnikrishnan Potti. The SIT also has indications of financial transactions between Potti and Padmakumar. SIT sources state that Padmakumar’s arrest is being delayed as more evidence related to these matters needs to be collected.
It is understood that statements from all those arrested earlier in the Sabarimala gold theft case are against Padmakumar. Reports suggest that accused individuals, from Murari Babu to N. Vasu, have given statements implicating Padmakumar. There are also indications that their statements suggest Padmakumar ordered the replacement of gold with copper. The SIT is also thoroughly investigating Padmakumar’s financial sources.
The SIT had previously issued notices to A. Padmakumar twice to appear for questioning. The second notice was served to Padmakumar following N. Vasu’s arrest, indicating that the investigation was now centered on Padmakumar. When N. Vasu served as the Devaswom Board Commissioner, Padmakumar was the Board President.
Unnikrishnan Potti, former Devaswom Board Administrative Officer Murari Babu, former Executive Officer D. Sudheeshkumar, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner K.S. Baiju, and former Devaswom Commissioner and President N. Vasu are among those arrested so far in the Sabarimala gold theft case.