Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises Appointment of Counsel in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case as Devaswom Special Government Pleader

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the appointment of the accused’s lawyer in the Sabarimala gold theft case as Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department, saying the move amounted to supporting the accused.

He said that unusual developments were taking place and referred to remarks made by Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan, who reportedly stated that Chief Minister V D Satheesan had personally created a non-existent post and made the appointment.

Questioning the process, the senior CPI(M) leader asked how such an appointment could happen without the knowledge of the Devaswom Minister.

He alleged that the government had appointed, on behalf of the Devaswom Department, an advocate who had appeared for those facing major allegations in the Sabarimala gold theft case. He demanded that the decision be corrected immediately and called on the Chief Minister to intervene and appoint a different Government Pleader.

The controversy relates to the appointment of advocate K B Pradeep as Special Government Pleader for the Devaswom Department before the High Court.

K B Pradeep had represented Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Smart Creations, who is linked to allegations concerning the removal of gold from the sanctum door and threshold of the Sabarimala Temple.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that K B Pradeep submitted resignation following the backlash.