Thiruvananthapuram, November 20, 2025 — In a major development in the Sabarimala Temple gold-missing case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the scandal has arrested A. Padmakumar, a senior CPI(M) leader and former President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The arrest, which followed several hours of intense questioning, has set off a fierce political backlash and poses a significant challenge to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.
Key Allegations Leading to the Arrest
- Misappropriation of Gold-Clad Items: Padmakumar is accused of being involved in the alleged theft of gold-clad copper panels from the idols of the guardian deities (“Dwarapalaka”) as well as the doorframes of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at Sabarimala Temple.
- Role During TDB Presidency: He served as TDB President in 2019, at a time when a proposal was reportedly under consideration to hand over the gold-plated sheets to Unnikrishnan Potty, a priest-turned-businessman, for electroplating.
- Official Record Manipulation: According to the SIT, decisions made under his tenure included referring to the gold-plated sheets simply as “copper,” thereby allegedly facilitating the misappropriation.
- Extent of Involvement: The SIT claims that Padmakumar was aware of and involved in critical decisions connected to the theft. He is now listed as the eighth accused in the case.
Political Fallout: Opposition Strikes Back
The arrest of such a high-ranking CPI(M) leader has triggered a strong reaction from the opposition, especially as it comes ahead of the local body elections.
- Congress (UDF) Response:
- V.D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, warned that Padmakumar’s arrest could be just the beginning, hinting at more CPI(M) leaders being under scrutiny.
- He demanded that the SIT also question former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, pointing to alleged irregularities during his tenure.
- Key Congress figures asserted that a larger, high-level conspiracy is at play, accusing the LDF government of protecting the guilty until the Kerala High Court intervened.
- BJP’s Allegations:
- The BJP State Chief, K. Surendran, claimed that there is a “political hand” behind the scandal, extending into the top ranks of the CPI(M).
- The party has called for a wide-ranging investigation to uncover what it says is a sprawling network of corruption within the ruling party machinery.
A Major Blow to the CPI(M) and LDF
The arrest marks a serious embarrassment for the CPI(M) and the LDF government:
- Pattern of High-Profile Arrests: Padmakumar’s detention follows that of another former TDB President, N. Vasu, who was also recently arrested in connection with the case. Both are senior CPI(M) figures, magnifying the gravity of the scandal.
- Electoral Implications: With local body elections on the horizon, the opposition is likely to leverage the controversy to criticize the LDF for corruption and misuse of authority.
- Religious Sensitivity: Given Sabarimala’s religious significance to Ayyappa devotees, the case could inflame public sentiment, making it a potent political and social issue for both sides.
