Sat Jan 24 10:59:08 UTC 2026: # Kerala Opposition Accuses Government of Aiding Sabarimala Gold Theft Accused, Covering Up Party Fund Scam

The Story:
On January 24, 2026, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the Kerala State government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of deliberately delaying the chargesheet submission in the Sabarimala gold theft case to benefit the accused. He alleged that the delay, orchestrated by the Chief Minister’s office, allowed the accused to receive bail. Furthermore, Mr. Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of attempting to cover up allegations of misappropriated funds in the Payyannur CPI(M) fund scam.

Key Points:

  • V.D. Satheesan alleges the State government and SIT are helping the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
  • He claims the delay in submitting the chargesheet was due to intervention from the Chief Minister’s office.
  • Satheesan states the delay granted the accused undue legal advantages, allowing them to receive bail.
  • He accused the CPI(M) of trying to cover up the Payyannur CPI(M) fund scam without informing the police.
  • CPI(M) Kannur district committee member V. Kunhikrishnan has accused party leaders of misappropriating funds.
  • Satheesan reiterated his allegations against former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of Satheesan’s accusations, coupled with the recent Gauhati High Court decision to overturn an Arunachal IAS officer’s bail in a teen suicide case, could suggest a broader political climate focused on accountability and judicial scrutiny of high-profile cases. The Zubeen Garg case news further amplifies this sentiment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The opposition is mounting pressure on the ruling government regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case.
  • Accusations of political interference in law enforcement are surfacing.
  • The CPI(M) faces internal scrutiny and allegations of financial impropriety.
  • The opposition is leveraging these controversies to undermine public confidence in the government.

Impact Analysis:

These allegations, if substantiated, could have significant political ramifications for the CPI(M) and the State government. The Sabarimala temple is a sensitive issue in Kerala, and any perceived mishandling of the gold theft case could erode public trust. The Payyannur fund scam, if proven, would further damage the party’s credibility. The long-term impact could include a shift in voter sentiment and potential losses for the CPI(M) in future elections. The legal battles that will likely follow these allegations could consume significant time and resources, further distracting the government from other pressing issues.

Read More