A political firestorm erupts in Kerala as Ramesh Chennithala, ex-Leader of Opposition, tears into the Special Investigation Team’s closure report on the Sabarimala gold heist. His pointed allegations of investigative shortcuts threaten to reopen a chapter devotees hoped was sealed, centered on the vanishing of priceless temple gold.
The theft exposed shocking lapses at the Sabarimala shrine, famed for its 18 holy steps and rigorous pilgrimage. Gold sovereigns, diamond-studded jewelry—offerings from fervent believers—disappeared without a trace initially. SIT arrests led to confessions of insider help, but Chennithala contends the report glosses over external syndicates possibly involved in smuggling.
Addressing a packed rally, he questioned, ‘Where is the stolen gold today? Recovered scraps don’t add up.’ Backing his dissent with timelines and affidavits, he called for suspending the report pending judicial scrutiny. This pits UDF squarely against LDF, with accusations of shielding cronies flying thick.
Contextually, Sabarimala’s security has been a hotspot post the 2018 women’s entry row. The heist amplified calls for modernization, from drone patrols to blockchain asset tracking. Public anger simmers, with bhajan mandalis organizing prayer vigils for recovery.
As responses pour in—government rebuttals, devotee forums, expert analyses—the case symbolizes eroding trust in institutions. Chennithala’s intervention could catalyze a paradigm shift in temple governance, ensuring such sacrilege doesn’t recur. For now, the golden enigma endures, mirroring Kerala’s polarized polity.