Pathanamthitta ,12 March (H.S): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has issued a notice to former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, who is an accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, seeking an explanation for allegedly bringing disrepute to the party.

The notice was sent by the CPM Pathanamthitta district leadership through post, asking Padmakumar to clarify his position in connection with the case and the controversy surrounding it. Party sources indicated that disciplinary action could follow depending on the explanation he submits.

According to reports, the decision to issue the notice was taken by the district leadership with the knowledge and approval of the CPM state leadership. The move signals the party’s attempt to address growing criticism over its earlier silence regarding Padmakumar’s arrest in the case.

In a related development, Padmakumar was recently removed from the WhatsApp group of the CPM Pathanamthitta district committee, an action seen as an initial organisational step ahead of possible disciplinary proceedings.

Padmakumar, a former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board, currently serves as a member of the CPM Pathanamthitta district committee. He was arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case and spent nearly three-and-a-half months in jail before being granted bail recently.

Despite his arrest and incarceration, the party had not initiated any formal disciplinary action against him earlier, which had drawn criticism from various quarters. The latest notice from the party is therefore being viewed as a delayed but significant step toward addressing the issue internally.

The Sabarimala gold theft case pertains to the alleged disappearance of gold ornaments connected with the temple administration, which sparked controversy and raised serious questions about accountability within the Devaswom administration.

Party insiders say the CPM leadership is keen to handle the matter carefully, given Padmakumar’s long association with the party and his prominent role in the Devaswom Board. However, they also acknowledged that the party cannot ignore allegations that have generated public debate and could potentially harm its image.

The Pathanamthitta district committee is expected to review Padmakumar’s response to the notice before deciding on further disciplinary measures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman