Protests inside, outside Kerala Assembly over Sabarimala row; protesters tear-gassed
What's the story
The Kerala Legislative Assembly was thrown into chaos on Tuesday as opposition members, led by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), protested against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government over the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple. Opposition leaders, including Congress MLA Anwar Sadat, attempted to breach Speaker A N Shamseer's chamber, leading to a temporary suspension of House proceedings.
CM's response
CM Vijayan slams opposition for 'antics'
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan slammed the opposition for their "antics," calling them a deliberate attempt to create trouble. He said, "Minister P Rajeev has clearly stated his position regarding the observations made by the High Court." The CM added that while considering bail applications, the high court makes remarks it deems appropriate but these are only contextual and not findings related to investigations.
Twitter Post
Protest outside assembly
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Police resort to tear gas firing to disperse members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) protesting against the Sabarimala gold theft case outside Kerala Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/gNLFPe7Qx8
— ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2026
Investigation critique
Allegations of statutory bail delays
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that the accused in the Sabarimala gold cases were getting statutory bail due to delays in investigation. He alleged that pressure from the Chief Minister's Office had obstructed the probe. Responding to these allegations, Devaswom Minister MB Rajesh accused the opposition of disrupting House proceedings without submitting an adjournment motion. Outside the House, members of the BJP youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a protest, prompting police to fire tear gas.
Bail granted
Vigilance court grants statutory bail to accused in cases
The Kollam Vigilance Court had on Monday granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board executive officer D Sudheesh Kumar in two cases related to the loss of gold from the Sabarimala temple. Former temple administrative officers Murari Babu and S Sreekumar have also been granted statutory bail. Accused Unnikrishnan Potti had secured statutory bail in the Dwarapalaka idol case but remains in custody for another case.