Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Congress Protests Sabarimala Gold Heist, Demands Arrest of Vasu's "Godfathers"
People from the Congress party are very upset about gold that went missing from the Sabarimala temple over several years.
They held a protest because they believe that important people in the government and in a political party called CPI-M helped hide the theft.
They are especially angry that a former leader of the temple board, N. Vasu, who is part of the CPI-M, is not being fully investigated.
Congress leaders say that the Chief Minister knew about this and that they want everyone involved, even the powerful people who they call 'godfathers,' to be arrested.
They also want the minister in charge of temples to quit.
Congress believes the government is not doing a good job protecting the temple's treasures and is even trying to slow down the police investigation.
Congress will continue protests until all involved in the Sabarimala gold heist, including N. Vasu's 'godfathers', are arrested.
Congress alleges systematic looting of temple wealth by successive Devaswom Boards from 2019 to 2025.
Congress accuses Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Devaswom Minister of silence and complicity in the gold heist.
Protesters demand the resignation of the Devaswom Minister and accuse the government of treating the Devaswom Board as a political enterprise.
Congress criticizes the BJP for their silence on the issue, suggesting a deal with the CPI-M.
- Who
- Congress party, led by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal and KPCC president Sunny Joseph, protesting against former TDB president N. Vasu and allegedly complicit government officials.
- What
- Congress is protesting and demanding the arrest of all individuals involved in the Sabarimala gold heist, including the alleged 'godfathers' of N. Vasu, and the resignation of the Devaswom Minister. They accuse the government of facilitating the theft and looting of temple wealth.
- When
- Wednesday (date not specified, but related to current events); theft occurred from 2019.
- Where
- Kerala Secretariat (site of the protest); Sabarimala temple (location of the heist).
- Why
- To demand accountability for the alleged systematic looting of temple wealth, to bring all culprits, including political figures, to justice, and to protest the government's alleged complicity and attempts to cover up the case.
Congress Accusations
CPI-M/Government Defense
Political Involvement and Responsibility
Congress Accusations
Congress alleges that former TDB president N. Vasu, a CPI-M candidate, is being unfairly portrayed as a mere official, and that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Devaswom Minister are complicit in the looting of temple wealth. They accuse the government of filling temple boards with party loyalists and suggest that nothing happens without the Chief Minister's knowledge.
CPI-M/Government Defense
The provided article does not contain a direct response or defense from the CPI-M/Government regarding these specific accusations. The existing summary notes that the CPI-M has previously blamed lower-level Devaswom officials.
Gold Smuggling and Court Intervention
Congress Accusations
Congress claims that the government's approach has enabled gold smuggling with international links, and that the issue was only brought to light due to the High Court's intervention. They also allege the government is trying to restrain the Special Investigation Team.
CPI-M/Government Defense
The provided article does not contain a direct response or defense from the CPI-M/Government regarding these specific accusations.
BJP's Silence
Congress Accusations
Congress criticizes the BJP for its 'conspicuous silence' on the heist, suggesting a tacit deal with the CPI-M and accusing the BJP of using faith as an electoral tool.
CPI-M/Government Defense
The provided article does not contain a direct response or defense from the BJP regarding these specific accusations.
- Protesting Party
- Congress
- Key Accused
- N. Vasu (Former Travancore Devaswom Board President)
- Alleged Scheme
- Systematic looting of temple wealth from 2019 to 2025 by successive Devaswom Boards.
- Demands
- Arrest of all accused, including Vasu's 'godfathers'; resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan.
- Investigation Body
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) working under court supervision.
- Political Figure Mentioned
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- Other Political Party Criticized
- BJP
Sources
Former TDB president N Vasu arrested in Sabarimala gold case
Authorities issue notice to CPI(M)’s Padmakumar in Sabarimala gold heist case
Sabarimala gold theft: SIT arrests former TDB president N Vasu, first high-profile arrest in the case
Congress to continue protest until TDB chief Vasu’s godfathers are arrested in Sabarimala gold heist: Venugopal
