In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the devout community, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Sabarimala gold theft case has made a high-profile arrest. The team has taken into custody the temple's former chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru, for his alleged connections with the main accused in the multi-crore rupee heist.
The Arrest and Its Immediate Context
The arrest was executed on Thursday, January 9, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the long-running investigation. According to official sources, the SIT detained Rajeevaru based on mounting evidence that suggests a deeper conspiracy behind the theft of sacred gold ornaments from the Ayyappa temple's strongroom. The former melsanthi (chief priest) is accused of maintaining suspicious links with P.S. Nithin Kumar, the alleged mastermind who was arrested earlier from Tamil Nadu.
Investigators revealed that the probe into the financial trails and communication records unearthed questionable interactions between Rajeevaru and Kumar. The nature of these contacts, occurring around the time of the theft, raised serious doubts, compelling the SIT to bring the former priest in for detailed questioning, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Unraveling the Multi-Crore Temple Heist
The case dates back to the stunning discovery that gold ornaments, offerings made by countless devotees to Lord Ayyappa, were missing from the temple's vault. The estimated value of the stolen gold runs into several crores of rupees, making it one of the most significant temple thefts in Kerala's history. The theft not only represented a massive financial loss but also a profound violation of the devotees' faith and the temple's sanctity.
The investigation, which had initially hit several dead ends, gained momentum with the arrest of the primary accused, Nithin Kumar. His interrogation reportedly provided crucial leads that pointed towards possible insider involvement or knowledge, widening the scope of the probe to include individuals associated with the temple's administration and rituals.
Implications and the Path Forward for the SIT
The arrest of a former chief priest, a highly respected figure within the Sabarimala ecosystem, underscores the investigation's seriousness and its willingness to follow the evidence wherever it leads. This move is expected to have significant repercussions:
- Deepening the Probe: The SIT will likely intensify its examination of the temple's internal security protocols, record-keeping, and the roles of various officials during the period of the theft.
- Public and Devotee Sentiment: The arrest has stirred a mix of shock, sadness, and a demand for justice among the millions of Ayyappa devotees, who are keenly watching the probe's outcome.
- Systemic Scrutiny: The case has inevitably cast a spotlight on the overall management and security of invaluable assets in major Indian temples, prompting calls for systemic reforms.
The SIT is now focused on corroborating the evidence and establishing a clear motive and the exact sequence of events. The team is also investigating whether the stolen gold was melted down, sold, or smuggled out of the country. The arrest of Kandararu Rajeevaru is seen not as the conclusion, but a critical breakthrough that could unlock further details in this complex case of devotion, deceit, and gold.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes are on the SIT to deliver a thorough and impartial investigation that restores a sense of justice and security to one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites.
