SIT questioning Adoor Prakash expanded scope of probe: Govindan

Kozhikode: CPM state secretary M V Govindan said that the scope of Sabarimala gold theft case has widened with special investigation team (SIT) questioning UDF convener Adoor Prakash, and alleged that Congress was faulting SIT as it had begun to reach its leaders.Speaking to the media during Vikasana Munnetta Yatra in Kozhikode on Sunday, Govindan said Congress's demand to file the chargesheet immediately was aimed at stalling further progress of the investigation, given its expanded scope. He alleged that the move was intended to prevent Congress leaders under scrutiny from being brought fully within the ambit of the probe.Govindan said earlier attempts had been made to portray CPM as having facilitated the entry of key accused Unnikrishnan Potti to Sabarimala. However, it has since emerged that Potti's access occurred during the tenure of (AICC general secretary) K C Venugopal as devaswom minister, he said."It was Potti and the thantri who conspired to carry out the theft," he alleged.Govindan said Prakash and Congress MP Anto Antony were present along with Potti and (another accused) Govardhan during a visit to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. He said Potti had told investigators that Congress leaders facilitated the meeting, though he had not disclosed its purpose.He alleged that Antony had borrowed Rs 2 crore from a person questioned in connection with the Sabarimala case, and questioned the circumstances under which such a large amount was taken."If the money was borrowed for election expenses, it would amount to a violation of election expenditure norms," Govindan said. Antony should clarify whether the transaction was routed through banking channels and properly accounted for, he said. Otherwise, it could amount to a black money transaction, he alleged.