SIT to Probe Financial Transactions of Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the financial transactions of Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, one of the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The SIT has found that the Thantri gained financial benefits through fraudulent activities. Based on available evidence, he will be questioned again.

The SIT had earlier submitted a report to the Kollam Vigilance Court stating that the Thantri had direct involvement in the Sabarimala gold theft case. During questioning, he reportedly admitted that he had clear knowledge of the gold theft, supported by evidence presented by the investigators. The SIT has already obtained evidence and statements proving his direct role in the Dwarapalaka sculpture plate case and the door frame (Kattilappali) case.

There is also crucial evidence against Kandararu Rajeevaru in the case involving the smuggling of the Vajivahanam from the old flagstaff in sabarimala. For further clarity, the SIT plans to take him into custody again for interrogation and is also attempting a joint questioning with Unnikrishnan Potty.

The investigation has revealed that Kandararu Rajeevaru had financial dealings with the prime accused in the gold theft case—Unnikrishnan Potty, Pankaj Bhandari, owner of Smart Creations, and Govardhan, a jewellery owner from Bellary. He allegedly received large sums of money on multiple occasions.

The SIT has also obtained evidence of financial transactions conducted through intermediaries introduced by these individuals, which are now under investigation. Kandararu Rajeevaru is said to have investments in several businesses outside Kerala as well.

It was Kandhar Rajeevar, who was holding the charge of Sabarimala Thantri at the time, who brought Unnikrishnan Potty to Sabarimala in 2004, according to the investigation.