Sabarimala gold row: Raids in actors' homes a ploy to deflect real issue, says Suresh Gopi

"Whenever an incident that puts the government in the dock arises, there is a trend of tarnishing shining personalities through police action," Suresh Gopi said.

Thiruvananthapuram: Union minister of state for tourism Suresh Gopi has said that the recent raids at the houses of some film actors could be a ploy to divert attention from the Sabarimala gold missing row.

Gopi said in Palakkad on Friday that "two film actors are put before the public for judgment to play down the Sabarimala gold issue."

"Whenever an incident that puts the government in the dock arises, there is a trend of tarnishing shining personalities through police action. More such stories will come," said the actor-turned politician and BJP maiden and lone Lok Sabha MP from Kerala.

Customs and ED recently carried out raids at the houses of actors Dulquer Salman, Prithviraj Sukumar and Amit Chakalakkal in connection with suspicions of illegally importing high-end cars by evading customs duty.