In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Kerala, the chief priest of the famed Sabarimala temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, has been arrested in connection with a major gold theft case. The arrest, made by the Kerala Police on Friday, November 29, 2024, marks a dramatic turn in the investigation into the disappearance of gold from the hill shrine's sacred vaults.
The Arrest and Initial Allegations
The Pathanamthitta district police took Kandararu Rajeevaru into custody following intense questioning. He is accused of being a key conspirator in a sophisticated plot to pilfer gold from the temple's offering vaults, known as 'Hundi' collections. The arrest came after police gathered substantial evidence pointing to his alleged involvement.
The case first came to light when temple authorities reported discrepancies in the gold inventory. An internal audit raised suspicions, leading to a formal police complaint. Investigations suggested that the theft was not a simple burglary but a well-planned operation involving insiders who exploited their access to the temple's treasury.
Enforcement Directorate Steps In
Parallel to the criminal investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has commenced a separate probe under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The federal agency is focusing on tracing the financial trail of the stolen gold. Their investigation aims to uncover how the proceeds from the alleged heist were moved, layered, and integrated into the formal economy.
The ED's involvement signifies the scale and potential interstate or international ramifications of the crime. Sources indicate the agency is scrutinizing bank transactions, shell companies, and possible hawala channels that might have been used to dispose of the precious metal. The value of the stolen gold is estimated to run into several crores of rupees, though an official figure is yet to be confirmed by investigators.
Reactions and Temple Security Overhaul
The arrest of the chief priest, a highly revered figure, has deeply upset devotees and sparked a political firestorm. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, has faced severe criticism for alleged lapses in security and oversight. Opposition parties have seized upon the incident to attack the ruling Left Democratic Front government, questioning its management of the prominent shrine.
In response, temple authorities have announced a complete overhaul of security protocols for the Hundi collection and gold storage. Plans are reportedly underway to install advanced surveillance systems, implement a multi-layer audit process, and restrict access to the vaults. The board has assured devotees that steps are being taken to prevent any such incident in the future and to restore full faith in the temple's administration.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Kandararu Rajeevaru was produced before a local court, which remanded him to police custody for further interrogation. The police are likely to seek an extended custody to unravel the entire conspiracy and identify all accomplices. The probe is also examining the roles of other temple staff and outsiders who may have facilitated the theft or the sale of the gold.
The convergence of the police crime investigation and the ED's financial probe is expected to build a robust case. Legal experts suggest that the PMLA charges could lead to severe penalties, including confiscation of properties acquired with the proceeds of the crime. The coming days are crucial as investigators piece together the sequence of events, from the physical removal of the gold to its eventual conversion into cash or other assets.
This incident at one of India's most visited pilgrimage sites raises serious questions about the security of valuable offerings in major temples. It underscores the need for transparent, technology-driven, and accountable management systems to protect the assets and the faith of millions of devotees.
