Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan rejects opposition’s claim of CMO interference in Sabarimala gold scam SIT probe

Tpuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected oppositions claims that his office was interfering with SITs investigation into the gold heist at Sabarimala. He said SIT probe was happening under HCs watch and SIT was doing its job. We had sought an SIT probe with HC monitoring it. The CM or CMO has not interfered with the probe. At this point, when some leaders have nothing left to say, they raise such allegations, he said.

The issue came up after a photo surfaced in which UDF convener Adoor Prakash and MP Anto Antony are seen alongside Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Also seen in the photo are Unnikrishnan Potti, the key accused in the case and the controversial businessman who allegedly purchased the stolen gold.

Vijayan asked how all of them came together in one photo. Prakash claimed he had not arranged Pottis meeting with Sonia. Then he will have to explain how he was present alongside these controversial persons during their meeting with Sonia. It must be known how these persons could meet a national leader, he said.

Vijayan said that instead of giving an explanation, Prakash was levelling allegations against CMO. He said Prakash should come clean on why he was present there. Prakash said he went there after Potti invited him. Vijayan said Prakash then had the responsibility to clarify his relationship with these people.

Vijayan turned down the demand by Congress and BJP for a CBI probe in the case. He said there was no need for a CBI probe now as the present investigation was proceeding in the right direction. He said SIT would decide who all should be questioned and whose statement should be taken. He said SIT questioning ex-devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran should also be seen in this way and SIT might have questioned him to get more clarifications.

Earlier, CMO had denied Prakashs allegation of govt interference in SIT probe. Prakashs statement that CMO and the CMs political secretary fabricated the news of his questioning by SIT is unfounded. HC appointed SIT and its report is submitted to the court. There is a court directive against leaking info. CMO and the political secretary have no involvement in this matter, it said.

Earlier, Prakash said SIT had not summoned him for questioning. He said the media had told him about it, but it did not happen. He claimed the reports were driven by the CMs political secretary P Sasi. Im not running away; am here. If SIT summons me, I will certainly go and give my statement. I have nothing to hide. The rumour that I arranged Pottis meeting with Sonia Gandhi is baseless, he said.

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