Daijiworld Media Network - Sabarimala

Sabarimala, Jan 9: The chief priest (Tantri) of the Sabarimala Temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, was taken into custody and later arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday in connection with the alleged theft of gold ornaments from the temple premises.

The arrest follows an ongoing probe into the disappearance of valuable gold from the hill shrine, a case that surfaced a few days ago and triggered a detailed investigation. According to sources cited by PTI, Rajeevaru was initially questioned at an undisclosed location during the morning hours and was later shifted to the SIT office, where his arrest was formally recorded in the afternoon.

The SIT arrested Rajeevaru based on statements given by the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty and former Travancore Devaswom Board president Padmakumar. Investigators reportedly found that Rajeevaru had close associations with Potty.

As per the SIT’s findings, the chief priest had recommended the replating of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) plates and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframe plates at the temple. These recommendations are believed to be linked to the alleged gold misappropriation, officials said.

Rajeevaru had earlier been questioned as part of the investigation. The SIT continues to probe the case to ascertain the full extent of the alleged theft and the roles of those involved.