In a significant development in the ongoing Sabarimala gold scam investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday arrested Kandararu Rajeevaru, the tantri or chief priest of the revered Ayyappa temple. The arrest followed his detention and intensive questioning earlier in the day.
The Allegations Against the Chief Priest
Official sources state that Rajeevaru was taken into custody for his alleged close links with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. The SIT claims the tantri gave "silent permission" for the replating of the dwarapalaka (guardian) idol and kattilapadi (door frame) gold-clad plates outside the temple premises in 2019, a clear violation of ritual norms and procedures.
While Rajeevaru has maintained that approval was given solely for repair work and all due processes were followed, investigators have a different narrative. The SIT asserts that his involvement was confirmed primarily based on statements given by Potti himself during interrogation.
Questionable Links and Permissions
The probe has revealed a suspiciously close relationship between the chief priest and the prime accused. Investigators claim that Unnikrishnan Potti visited the Sabarimala temple as an associate of the tantri. Furthermore, sponsorship permissions granted to Potti were found to be questionable.
The SIT suspects that Rajeevaru was deeply involved in dealings with Potti, as the tantri himself led all transactions involving the accused. Crucially, the investigation found that Rajeevaru was aware the gold replating was conducted off-site but did not report the violation due to his proximity to Potti, who was entrusted with the plates.
Legal Proceedings and Case Details
Following his arrest, Kandararu Rajeevaru was presented before a court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. His bail plea is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday. This arrest marks a pivotal moment in the high-profile case, making Rajeevaru the 12th individual to be arrested in connection with the scam.
The SIT is currently investigating two separate cases related to the lost gold from the temple. Rajeevaru's arrest has been recorded in the second of these cases. The probe continues to unravel the network and transactions that led to the alleged misappropriation and illegal handling of the temple's sacred gold assets.
