Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru to be Arrested in Second Sabarimala Gold Theft Case, SIT Orders

Thiruvananthapuram: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified action against Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft incidents. The Tantri, currently on remand in the one of the Sabarimal gold theft cases, has now been cleared for arrest in a second case involving gold allegedly taken from the temple’s dwarapalaka (gatekeeper) idols.

The SIT has found that it was Rajeevaru who suggested that the gold sheets covering the dwarapalaka statues, which had lost their shine, should be removed. He reportedly performed an ‘Anujna Kalasham’ ritual to facilitate this. Following this, he allegedly allowed the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, to take the gold under the pretext of applying gold plating, according to SIT findings.

Testimony from former Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar has further implicated the Tantri. Investigators also found that, similar to the Sanctum door frame case, there was collusion and conspiracy in this case, and Rajeev did not inform the Devaswom Board even though ritual violations occurred.

With his arrest in the second case, Rajeevaru’s jail term will be extended. Currently, he is undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital due to health issues.