Kollam, 19 Feb (H.S.):The Vigilance Court in Kollam has granted bail to Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevar in the Sabarimala gold theft case, observing that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to establish his involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
In its detailed bail order, the court stated that the prosecution could not produce credible evidence to prove that the Tantri had played any role in the criminal conspiracy linked to the alleged gold misappropriation. The court specifically noted that there was no material evidence directly connecting him to the removal or handling of the temple’s gold-plated components.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities involving gold plating works and related materials, including the “dwarapalaka” (guardian deity) panels and wooden planks that were reportedly taken for repair. The court observed that the SIT was unable to present proof showing the Tantri’s direct involvement in these matters. It further pointed out that Kandararu Rajeevar had not signed the two mahazars (official seizure records) concerning the removal of the panels and wooden planks for repair. In the absence of such evidence, the court questioned how the charge of conspiracy could be sustained against him.
Accepting the Tantri’s argument, the court observed that his role, as defined under the Devaswom Manual, is limited strictly to tantric and ritualistic duties, including temple ceremonies and pooja procedures. Administrative decisions regarding repairs or maintenance of temple properties fall under the jurisdiction of the Travancore Devaswom Board, not the Tantri. The court emphasized that the alleged gold-plating activities that led to the controversy were carried out outside the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil), further weakening the claim of his involvement.
The court also took into consideration the Tantri’s health condition while granting bail. Kandararu Rajeevar had spent 41 days in judicial custody following his arrest in the gold theft case. He has now been released on strict bail conditions.
Notably, he is among the earliest accused in the case to secure bail after arrest. The investigation into the alleged irregularities, however, continues.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
