Palakkad: Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Friday suggested that the investigation against film personalities was an attempt to shift public attention away from the Sabarimala gold-plating controversy.

Speaking during a public interaction at Akathethara in Palakkad, Gopi said, “Two film actors have been placed before the Kerala public for judgment to downplay the Sabarimala gold issue.”

He refrained, however, from naming the actors or mentioning the case. “The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are intensifying their probe. As a Union minister, I should not comment further,” he said.

Gopi also noted that such diversions were not uncommon. “Whenever an incident arises that puts the government in the dock, there is a pattern of tarnishing well-known personalities through police action. More such stories will emerge,” he remarked.

The actor-turned-politician has been holding similar public interactions across Kerala over the past month. Some of his earlier remarks, including those on the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Alappuzha, have drawn sharp political criticism.

At present, actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amith Chakalakkal are under the scanner of Customs and the ED in connection with the alleged smuggling of luxury cars from Bhutan.