Thiruvananthapuram erupted in political turmoil on Thursday as the Sabarimala gold theft case continued to dominate Kerala’s headlines. Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, walked free from jail after securing legal bail, marking the fourth consecutive day of uproar in the state assembly.
The assembly proceedings were suspended, with the next session slated for February 23. Potti, named as the first accused in the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) chargesheet, is one of 13 individuals implicated in two cases related to the alleged pilfering of temple gold offerings. His release makes him the fourth accused to gain bail in this high-profile matter.
Opposition lawmakers, led by Congress, have relentlessly accused the government of shielding influential figures and sabotaging the probe. They stalled proceedings with slogans, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation, hinting at deeper political ramifications.
Ruling party veterans countered fiercely, citing Wednesday’s Kerala High Court observations that bail does not equate to acquittal. ‘Those guilty will face the law,’ the court had remarked, urging calm. Senior MLAs insisted the SIT probe adheres strictly to legal protocols, unaffected by bail grants, and accused the opposition of misleading the public by equating bail with innocence.
Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer expressed bewilderment at the opposition’s refusal to debate, despite the government’s readiness. Yet, Congress heavyweight Ramesh Chennithala warned that Potti’s release validates fears of a cover-up. ‘The government’s handling reeks of suppression; more releases are imminent,’ he declared, vowing sustained protests.
As Enforcement Directorate scrutiny looms, the case—alleging illegal removal and misuse of sacred gold—intensifies ahead of state elections. With legal battles raging, both sides dig in, leaving public trust in tatters.