Former Devaswom Minister and CPI(M) leader Kadakampally Surendran visited Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala at the latter’s private residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. The visit raised eyebrows as it comes at a time when the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe progressed into the alleged Sabarimala gold misappropriation case.
Mr. Surendran reached the house in Vazhuthacaud around 7.30 a.m. The meeting reportedly lasted for about 15 minutes before the former Minister left on the same scooter on which he had arrived.
The CPI(M) leader said the visit was only a “friendly meeting” and was also meant to discuss some “routine issues”. He declined to elaborate further on the purpose of the issues that were discussed.
The timing of the visit has become a subject of speculation as the SIT is preparing to submit its final report in the Sabarimala gold theft investigation. The probe has reportedly entered a crucial phase, with former Travancore Devaswom Board president P.S. Prasanth being arraigned as an accused in the case. Nonetheless, neither the Home Minister’s office nor Mr. Surendran has indicated that the discussion was linked to the investigation.
Meanwhile, Youth Congress leader Ambalamukku Renjith submitted a complaint to the Transport Commissioner against Mr. Surendran for allegedly riding the scooter without wearing a helmet in violation of traffic rules. Separately, Kerala High Court lawyer and public activist Kulathur Jaisingh also filed a complaint with the Chief Minister seeking the imposition of a fine on the CPI(M) leader for the offence.
Published – July 01, 2026 08:54 pm IST