Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | CPI(M) on Monday suspended former TDB president A Padmakumar from the party following the SIT probe against him in the Sabarimala gold loss case, senior leader T M Thomas Isaac said.

Padmakumar, a former CPI(M) leader, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team for his alleged role in permitting gold-clad plates from artefacts at the Sabarimala temple to be sent for electroplating during his tenure as TDB president.

Following his arrest, the CPI(M) had barred the former Travancore Devaswom Board president from participating in party activities and sought an explanation from him.

Subsequently, the party state committee entrusted the Pathanamthitta district committee with taking a decision on disciplinary proceedings against him.

The district committee met on Monday in the presence of senior leaders, including Thomas Isaac and MLA Saji Cherian.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Isaac said the committee examined Padmakumar’s explanation and found it unsatisfactory.

“His reply is not satisfactory. Therefore, we have decided to suspend him from the party,” Isaac said.

He said a more detailed explanation would be sought from Padmakumar after the SIT files its charge sheet in the gold loss cases.

“Based on his detailed reply, further disciplinary action will be taken. For now, he stands suspended from all positions in the party,” he said.

Asked whether the party was refraining from taking harsher action out of concern that Padmakumar could make disclosures regarding the Sabarimala women-entry episode, Isaac dismissed the suggestion.

“There are no such fears. Let him reveal everything. Our party gives freedom to write autobiographies,” he said, referring to media reports that Padmakumar was writing a memoir.

The SIT, constituted under the directions of the Kerala High Court, is probing two cases relating to the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the Sabarimala temple.

The investigation is in its final stage, and the SIT is expected to file charge sheets soon.