Thiruvananthapuram: In a major development in the probe into the Sabarimala gold scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch will record the statement of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala today. The Haripad MLA is expected to reach the Crime Branch headquarters at 11 am to give his statement on allegations related to the involvement of an international antique-smuggling racket in the gold theft at the Ayyappa temple.

Chennithala had reportedly sent a letter to the SIT alleging that the gold panels looted from the Sabarimala temple were handed over to middlemen of antique smugglers. On Saturday, he told the media that he holds evidence to prove his allegations and expressed his willingness to give a statement before the SIT. He had alleged that those involved in the Sabarimala gold scam entered into a deal worth ₹500 crore. Following this, the SIT issued a notice asking him to appear for interrogation.

It was on December 5 that he came up with the fresh allegations. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennithala said that there were indications of transactions involving a group reportedly led by antiques dealer Subhash Kapoor, but no concrete evidence had been obtained so far.

He said the value of the gold panels stolen from Sabarimala could touch around ₹500 crore in the international black market for antiquities, though their worth is estimated at around ₹50 crore otherwise. He argued that the gold stolen from Sabarimala was not part of a local conspiracy, but a larger plot hatched to smuggle valuable objects from temples in Kerala.

“It is a major transaction involving an international smuggling network. What we see now is only the tip of the iceberg. The probe must not stop here. All links should be exposed,” he said.

Currently, the investigation into the sensational case is being conducted only in the southern states of the country. With Chennithala’s allegations, the probe is likely to extend to foreign nations.

Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the scam, had reportedly told the probe team that he sold the gold looted from Sabarimala to Govardhan, a jeweller based in Ballari, Karnataka. However, Chennithala alleged that an international racket smuggled this gold of the Dwarapalaka idols after confirming its antique value. He also claimed that a man based in Dubai contacted him and revealed details about the matter.

It is learnt that Chennithala will disclose further information, including details of the antique dealer based in Chennai who acted as the mediator in the illegal sale.