Kollam, 18 Feb (H.S.):The Kollam Vigilance Court on Wednesday granted bail to Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevar in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case. The bail was granted in the cases related to the alleged theft of gold plating from the temple’s ‘Kattillappalli’ and ‘Dwarapalaka’ structures.

Rajeevar, who had been in judicial custody for 41 days following his arrest, secured bail under stringent conditions. In its order, the court observed that, at this stage of the investigation, there was no prima facie evidence to establish his direct involvement in the alleged gold misappropriation. The court also took into account his health condition while granting relief.

The prosecution, led by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), had strongly opposed the bail plea. The SIT argued that the Tantri played a crucial role in the alleged irregularities and submitted what it described as key financial details relating to the Tantri and his family before the court. However, the court rejected the prosecution’s objections, noting that the available materials did not conclusively prove his direct participation in the alleged conspiracy.

Appearing for Rajeevar, the defence counsel contended that the Tantri’s role was limited strictly to performing ritualistic and spiritual functions. He had only granted customary approval in his capacity as Tantri and had not interfered with administrative decisions or facilitated the alleged diversion of gold plates, the lawyer argued. Such ritual consent, the defence maintained, could not be equated with corruption or criminal conspiracy. The court accepted this line of argument.

Rajeevar is the second accused in the case to secure bail before the completion of 90 days in custody. Earlier, former Travancore Devaswom Board Administrative Officer S. Sreekumar was granted bail. Other accused persons in the case were released on statutory bail after completing 90 days in jail.

Meanwhile, some of the other accused, including A. Padmakumar, who was arrested earlier in the probe, remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The Sabarimala gold theft case has attracted significant public attention, given the temple’s religious importance and the serious allegations surrounding the handling of gold offerings and temple assets.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman