Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 (IANS) Kerala BJP MLAs on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan demanding an immediate CBI probe into the alleged Sabarimala gold scam and the unconditional withdrawal of all cases registered against devotees during the Sabarimala agitation.

BJP MLA V. Muraleedharan alleged that despite Satheesan publicly demanding a CBI investigation into the case during his tenure as Opposition Leader, no announcement has been made even after two Cabinet meetings under the new government.

He said the delay in ordering a CBI probe was unjustified.

The BJP leaders also sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy behind the scam.

According to them, the case involving former Devaswom Board presidents and senior board officials requires a deeper probe, while allegations raised against two former Devaswom Ministers should also come under investigation.

Muraleedharan said the inquiry should examine the alleged links of the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, with several persons, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.

The alleged international connections in the case, flagged earlier by the High Court, should also be investigated, he said.

The demand was raised in a letter jointly submitted by BJP MLAs Rajeev Chandrasekhar, also the State BJP president, V. Muraleedharan and B.B. Gopakumar.

The BJP leaders also urged the government to withdraw all cases filed against devotees who took part in the agitation against the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple.

According to figures cited in the letter, 29,119 people have been made accused in 2,624 cases registered across Kerala in connection with the protests.

The government is reportedly considering the withdrawal of only 1,047 non-serious cases.

However, the BJP MLAs argued that the distinction between serious and non-serious cases was politically motivated and made at the instance of the previous government.

The letter stated that ordinary Ayyappa devotees had taken to the streets to protect centuries-old rituals and traditions at Sabarimala, but were instead burdened with thousands of false cases.

Thousands of youngsters and ordinary families continue to face repeated court appearances despite having no criminal background, they said.

The BJP leaders warned that unless all cases are withdrawn unconditionally, people would conclude that the Congress’ promises on the issue over the past eight years were merely political assurances with no intention of implementation.

–IANS

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