KOTTAYAM: As the probe into the Sabarimala gold theft took a major turn on Friday, the Nair Service Society (NSS) is keenly watching the developments.
While the NSS leadership refrained from commenting directly on the thantri’s arrest, it holds the view such a theft could not have occurred without his knowledge as he was at times present in the shrine. However, the NSS has decided not to publicly disclose its position at this point.
NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair told TNIE that the organisation believes the probe is progressing in the right direction. “The NSS does not wish to comment on the arrest of any individual related to the investigation. We cannot speculate on whether the thantri committed any wrongdoing. The arrest and subsequent developments are part of a probe being overseen by the court,” he said.
The NSS, however, remains cautious about endorsing the SIT or the government. “We cannot form any opinion until the investigation is complete. The government machinery, under court supervision, is conducting the investigation. We cannot predict its outcome. Let the process conclude. The NSS will intervene if any lapse occurs,” he said.
The NSS holds the view the court has established that theft took place in Sabarimala. According to them, the focus now must be on identifying all individuals involved. At the same time, the leadership took a stance that the NSS would not get involved in the politics associated with the theft and related arrests.
It is learnt that NSS has taken a wait and watch stance taking into account widespread criticism it faced from its own community for supporting the government-sponsored Global Ayyappa Sangamam in Pampa. The theft came to light during the Sangamam, putting the organisation in a difficult situation. Following this, the leadership had to take considerable efforts to convince its stance to its members.