Sabarimala Gold Theft Case Takes New Turn as Court Permits SIT Action Against Tanthri
The vigilance court in Kollam has granted significant permission to the special investigation team probing the Sabarimala gold theft scandal. The court allowed the SIT to formally arraign tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru as an accused in the case concerning the theft of gold plating from dwarapalaka sculptures at the famous temple.
Court Grants Permission for Arrest and Charges
In a decisive move, the court also permitted the SIT to arrest the tanthri, who is currently lodged in prison. This development follows last week's arrest of Rajeevaru by the investigation team. The SIT had taken him into custody due to his close links with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and for allegedly providing silent permission for the replating of dwarapalaka idols and kattilapadi door frames outside temple premises.
Investigators presented compelling evidence to the court. They highlighted the tanthri's signature on the mahazar document prepared during the process where stolen gold plating was converted into copper. This signature, according to the SIT, clearly demonstrates his involvement in the alleged conspiracy. The act showed his role in facilitating and legitimizing the illegal replacement of precious gold with ordinary copper.
SIT Cites Tanthri's Responsibilities and Alleged Failure
In its detailed remand report filed in the Kattilapadi case, the SIT specifically referenced the duties and responsibilities of the tanthri as outlined in the Travancore Devaswom Board's official manual. The report emphasized that the tanthri holds responsibilities comparable to those of an assistant commissioner. He must ensure the protection and security of all temple assets as part of his sacred duties.
The SIT argued strongly that the tanthri failed miserably in this fundamental responsibility. By giving tacit consent for the removal of wooden panels from the temple premises by Potti, he allegedly paved the way for further misappropriation. This initial lapse, investigators claim, directly enabled the subsequent theft of gold plating from the dwarapalaka sculptures. Following this assessment, Rajeevaru was arraigned as an accused in the second case as well, expanding the legal proceedings against him.
Upcoming Court Proceedings and Related Developments
The court has scheduled January 19 for considering Rajeevaru's bail plea in the first case. This hearing will be closely watched by temple authorities and devotees alike. Meanwhile, in a related development, the court extended the remand period of former TDB president A Padmakumar until January 27. Earlier, the court had dismissed Padmakumar's bail application, indicating the seriousness with which it views the entire matter.
The Sabarimala gold theft case continues to unfold with new revelations. The involvement of temple officials in the scandal has shocked devotees across Kerala and beyond. The vigilance court's permission for the SIT to proceed against the tanthri marks a crucial step in the investigation, potentially leading to more arrests and charges in the coming weeks.
