THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team (SIT) has found that former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar was the one who paved the way for Unnikrishnan Potty to steal the gold of Sabarimala Ayyappa. It was Padmakumar who first proposed handing over the gold-plated panels to Potty.a-padmakumarPadmakumar remanded, gives crucial statement against former minister
However, board members K.P. Shankaradas and A. Vijayakumar opposed the move, saying that the board alone could not take such a decision. Because of this, the gold panels could not be handed over to Potty. Later, based on an official recommendation, the matter was turned into a formal document and the file movement began. It was administrative officer Murari Babu who led this move. Padmakumar also visited the offices of the Board officials and pressured them. With the recommendations of the administrative officer, executive officer, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, and Devaswom Commissioner, the file reached the board.During this process, Devaswom Commissioner N. Vasu changed the description of the items from “gold-plated panels” to “copper panels.” With Vasu’s recommendation, the board approved giving the panels to Potty without any further verification.The agenda note of the 2019 March board meeting had clearly mentioned “gold-plated copper panels.” Padmakumar struck this out and rewrote “copper panels” in his own handwriting and signed above it. Members Shankaradas and Vijayakumar confirmed to the SIT that the signature was Padmakumar’s, but said they were unaware of the correction.Vasu told investigators that Padmakumar interfered in the office while he was Devaswom Commissioner. He checked files and even went to other offices to have officials alter records.
Potty’s influence on Devaswom Board
Potty was mostly seen with Padmakumar. It was Potty who often informed officials of the president’s instructions over the phone.
He was not only allowed access to the gold items but was also permitted to collect sponsorships- even from other states- to re-plate the ornaments.
Raid at Padmakumar’s house
The SIT conducted a raid at Padmakumar’s house in Aranmula. Around 12:30 p.m. yesterday, a team of seven officers, including three women, arrived at his house near the Parthasarathy Temple. The raid continued late into the night after the gates and doors were sealed.Kadakampally to be questioned
Former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran will also be questioned by the SIT. He will be summoned after investigators question Padmakumar, who is currently in remand at the Thiruvananthapuram sub-jail. Padmakumar’s statement has implicated Kadakampally. According to Padmakumar, Unnikrishnan Potty had submitted a request to the government as well. The government had asked the board to examine the request and take an appropriate decision. This note is reportedly mentioned in the documents related to handing over the gold plates to Potty. The SIT wants to question Kadakampally for clarity. Kadakampally maintains that he never saw the file and had no role in any board decision.
