After Months Of Criticism & Poll Setback, CPI(M) Suspends Sabarimala Gold Theft Accused Padmakumar

CPI(M) Suspends Padmakumar Amidst Sabarimala Gold Theft Controversy

In a significant move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has suspended Padmakumar, who is embroiled in the Sabarimala gold theft scandal. This decision follows months of mounting criticism and a disappointing performance in recent elections, where the party secured only 26 out of 140 seats. CPI(M) leader Isaac confirmed that the party would review a more comprehensive report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) before deciding on any further measures.

Isaac emphasized that the party’s actions were not swayed by Padmakumar’s plans to write an autobiography, which may include revelations about CPI(M). He stated,

“We are not afraid of anyone and believe every citizen has the right to write an autobiography.”

Padmakumar was arrested in November 2025 for his involvement in the gold theft case but received bail in February 2026. Initially, the party had indicated that it would only act if he was found guilty, but it later restricted his participation in party functions.

The allegations against Padmakumar have sparked outrage, particularly from opposition parties, who accused CPI(M) of failing to address the scandal adequately. Last week, M.V. Govindan, the state secretary, acknowledged that the delay in taking action against Padmakumar contributed to the party's electoral woes. The controversy gained traction when local media reported that Padmakumar claimed he was sidelined during a critical moment in 2019, when two women entered the Sabarimala shrine, allegedly at the behest of the Chief Minister's Office.

The case revolves around the suspicious disappearance of approximately 4.5 kg of gold during a re-plating project for the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple. Documents from the Kerala High Court reveal that gold-clad panels weighing 42.8 kg were handed over for re-plating but only 38.258 kg were returned, indicating a significant shortfall. Investigators traced the missing gold to a Chennai-based firm, Smart Creations, where the re-plating was conducted. The investigation was prompted by the High Court's scrutiny following a vigilance report, leading to the formation of a SIT to probe the matter further.

As the investigation unfolds, the High Court has remarked on the situation as a

“well-orchestrated and premeditated scheme.”

Along with Padmakumar, several others, including the project's sponsor Unnikrishnan Potti and chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru, have also been arrested. The fallout from this case continues to challenge the CPI(M), as it grapples with both internal dissent and external pressure.