The Sabarimala gold theft saga gripped Kerala politics Thursday, with main suspect Unnikrishnan Potti’s bail igniting fresh assembly pandemonium. Released from custody after judicial approval, the development prolonged disruptions, halting proceedings till February 23—the fourth day of deadlock.
Featured prominently in the SIT’s chargesheet as prime accused among 13 named in two theft-related cases, Potti becomes the fourth to taste freedom on bail. Opposition Congress has hammered the government since day one, alleging favoritism toward elites and probe dilution.
Disrupting with fervent sloganeering, opposition MLAs demanded expansive, transparent scrutiny, alluding to potential high-level complicity. Ruling allies hit back, referencing Kerala High Court’s cautionary words: bail signals no innocence, and culprits won’t evade accountability.
Emphasizing SIT’s adherence to law, they branded opposition tactics as deliberate misinformation. Speaker A.N. Shamseer questioned the naysayers’ aversion to structured discussion, given government openness.
Undeterred, CWC member Ramesh Chennithala proclaimed victory for skeptics: ‘Potti’s liberation confirms suppression efforts. Conditions normalize post-release; expect a domino effect on detainees.’ Vowing unyielding resistance, he critiqued the government’s case management.
Meanwhile, Enforcement Directorate’s independent inquiry raises stakes, questioning Potti next. Born from claims of illicit gold extraction from temple offerings, the controversy festers as a political flashpoint pre-polls, with unyielding fronts and waning public confidence.