Kerala, December 5, 2025 – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday addressed questions regarding the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft investigation, emphasizing that the probe is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Kerala High Court and affirming that the ruling CPI(M) will not protect anyone found guilty in the case.

Speaking at a press conference in Kochi, CM Vijayan said it was not appropriate for him to comment in detail on the investigation while it is ongoing. “It is not appropriate for me to speak in detail about the Sabarimala matter. As you know, it is not proper for a Chief Minister to comment on an issue while the investigation is ongoing. What must be noted is that the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the High Court. Every aspect is being examined by the High Court. A very effective investigation is underway, and the High Court’s oversight is functioning well. In that sense, we can express complete satisfaction with the ongoing investigation,” he said.

Addressing the role of the CPI(M), Vijayan reiterated the party’s position on accountability and transparency in the matter. “As far as the CPI(M) is concerned, the party has made its stand absolutely clear: whoever is guilty in this matter, there will be no attempt from the party to protect them,” he stated. This was seen as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring that political affiliations do not influence the ongoing investigation.

Arrests and Investigation Developments

The Sabarimala gold theft case has seen multiple high-profile arrests since the investigation was intensified. On October 17, 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala Crime Branch took into custody Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the case. Following this, on November 7, the SIT arrested KS Baiju, the former Thiruvabharanam temple Commissioner, in connection with the theft.

Subsequently, on November 26, A. Padmakumar, former Sabarimala Executive Committee President and CPI(M) Pathanamthitta District Committee member, was taken into custody after the Kollam Vigilance Court approved the SIT’s request. Padmakumar, who also served as the former Konni MLA, was remanded for 14 days by the court.

The SIT has submitted two reports to the Kerala High Court so far, which reveal serious irregularities in the minutes of the Travancore Devaswom Board. These irregularities have raised questions about the management of temple funds and the conduct of officials involved in overseeing the gold donations and cladding projects.

Allegations and FIR Against KM Shajahan

In addition to the arrests, the Kerala Police registered a case against KM Shajahan, former additional private secretary to the late former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and now a YouTuber. The FIR was lodged following allegations that Shajahan circulated videos on his YouTube channel, ‘Prathipaksham’, insulting ADGP S. Sreejith and the Kerala Police, and falsely implicating them in the Sabarimala gold theft case.

According to the FIR, the videos were capable of causing resentment toward the police among Sabarimala devotees and could incite hostility between communities on religious grounds, potentially triggering unrest. Shajahan was booked under Sections 192 (Provocation with intent to cause riot) and 196(1)(a) (Promoting enmity between different groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, which deals with causing nuisance or harassment through repeated or undesirable communication.

Background of the Sabarimala Gold Controversy

The controversy traces its origins to a donation made in 1998 by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who contributed 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for the cladding of the sanctum sanctorum and the wooden carvings of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Over the years, allegations of irregularities surfaced regarding the management of these materials, including questions about how the gold and copper were stored, documented, and utilized for temple renovation and maintenance.

The Sabarimala case is particularly sensitive due to the religious significance of the temple and the high profile of some individuals implicated in the investigation. The involvement of political figures and senior temple officials has added complexity to the investigation, necessitating the intervention of the Kerala High Court to ensure transparency and accountability.

High Court Oversight

CM Vijayan repeatedly highlighted the role of the High Court in overseeing the investigation. He noted that the court’s supervision ensures that every aspect of the case is examined impartially. This intervention is intended to maintain public trust in the probe, given the potential for political or communal sensitivities to influence perceptions of the investigation.

The High Court’s oversight also provides a framework for procedural compliance, ensuring that arrests, custodial actions, and evidentiary collection are carried out in accordance with law. This judicial supervision has been pivotal in maintaining the credibility of the investigation while balancing the interests of justice and the sensitivities of devotees and the general public.

Political and Social Implications

The Sabarimala gold theft case has garnered national attention due to the involvement of senior officials and political figures. The arrests of Padmakumar, KS Baiju, and Unnikrishnan Potti, along with FIRs against individuals such as KM Shajahan, have underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the need for thorough investigation.

By affirming that the CPI(M) will not shield anyone, CM Vijayan sought to assure the public that accountability is being prioritized over political considerations. The party’s stance emphasizes that legal and ethical responsibilities will guide actions related to the case, and that political affiliations will not interfere with judicial processes.

Current Status of the Investigation

The SIT continues to investigate the case, examining financial records, administrative minutes, and the chain of custody for the donated gold and copper. The second report submitted to the Kerala High Court highlights discrepancies in the Travancore Devaswom Board’s documentation, which have become a focal point for understanding the alleged misappropriation of temple resources.

Authorities are also monitoring public discourse and social media narratives surrounding the case. The FIR against KM Shajahan demonstrates the police’s focus on preventing misinformation that could provoke public unrest or undermine faith in law enforcement.

Conclusion

The Sabarimala gold theft case remains a complex investigation involving high-profile political and religious figures, significant temple donations, and allegations of mismanagement. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s statements reinforce two key principles: first, that the investigation is being conducted under the vigilant supervision of the High Court, ensuring transparency and impartiality; and second, that political affiliations will not protect anyone found guilty, reflecting a commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

As the investigation progresses, the SIT’s findings and the High Court’s oversight are expected to clarify the chain of events, identify responsible parties, and safeguard the temple’s assets. The case serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability in managing religious and public resources, and highlights the role of judicial oversight in ensuring justice in matters of national and cultural significance.