Sabarimala Head Priest Formally Arrested in Gold Theft Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) made a significant move on Thursday. They formally recorded the arrest of Sabarimala's head priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru. This arrest is part of the ongoing probe into the alleged gold theft from the dwarapalaka sculptures at the famous Sabarimala temple in Kerala.
Arrest Recorded Inside Jail
Investigators recorded the arrest at the jail where Rajeevaru is currently lodged. He is already under judicial remand in a separate case. That case involves the removal of gold-plated panels, known as kattilappadi, from the temple.
The SIT sought permission from the vigilance court to arraign Rajeevaru as an accused in the dwarapalaka sculpture case. The court granted this permission. This allowed the team to record his arrest inside the jail premises without transferring him.
Evidence Points to Conspiracy
During the investigation, the SIT presented a mahazar to the head priest. Rajeevaru signed this document. It stated that the gold plating on the sculptures had turned into copper. Based on this evidence, the SIT concluded that the tanthri was part of a conspiracy.
They allege the conspiracy involved the removal and replacement of the gold layer on the temple sculptures. This finding adds a serious dimension to the case, implicating the head priest directly in the theft.
Priest's Responsibilities Under Scrutiny
In its remand report for the gold-plated panels case, the SIT cited the Travancore State Manual. This manual outlines the duties of the tanthri. According to investigators, the head priest holds responsibilities equivalent to those of an assistant commissioner.
He is duty-bound to protect all temple assets. The SIT alleges that Rajeevaru failed in this responsibility. They claim he gave tacit consent to Unnikrishnan Potti for the removal of the gold-plated panels. This failure forms a key part of the charges against him.
Bail Plea and Judicial Proceedings
Rajeevaru remains under judicial remand in the gold panel case. His bail plea in this matter is scheduled for consideration by the court on January 19. The formal arrest in the sculpture case complicates his legal situation further.
Another Accused Remanded in Judicial Custody
Meanwhile, the investigation saw another development. Former member of the Travancore Devaswom Board, K P Shankardas, was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. The Kollam vigilance court judge ordered this remand on Thursday.
Shankardas was arrested earlier in the gold theft scam. The judge visited him at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Due to health issues, Shankardas is undergoing treatment there.
Court Allows Continued Hospital Treatment
The court allowed Shankardas to continue his treatment at the private hospital. It ruled that he need not be shifted to jail at this stage. A decision on whether to move him to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital will be taken later.
The SIT recorded Shankardas's arrest at the hospital on Wednesday. He had been in the ICU for several days. Arrest occurred shortly after he was shifted to a regular room. Shankardas is named as the 11th accused in the case.
These arrests highlight the SIT's aggressive pursuit of the gold theft case. They are targeting individuals at various levels of responsibility within the temple administration. The investigation continues to unfold, revealing more details about the alleged conspiracy.
