Thiruvananthapuram,20 Feb (H.S.):Former Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevar has levelled serious allegations against the Kerala government, claiming that the case against him in the Sabarimala gold theft matter was politically motivated and born out of retaliatory action for his stand against the entry of women of menstruating age into the hill shrine.

The allegations surfaced in the bail order issued by the court after hearing arguments on his petition. During the proceedings, Rajeevar contended that he had been deliberately implicated in the case due to his firm opposition to the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict permitting women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple.

According to Rajeevar, he had taken a clear stand that temple rituals and traditions should not be violated following the 2018 verdict. He told the court that this position had angered the government of the day. He further alleged that certain senior police officers had attempted to facilitate the entry of women devotees at Sannidhanam in line with the government’s interest, and that he had strongly resisted such efforts. This, he claimed, led to resentment among sections of the police and members of the ruling dispensation.

The former Tantri argued that the narrative suggesting his involvement in the gold theft was fabricated as part of this hostility. He also claimed that there had been attempts to keep the Sabarimala temple open on all days, a move he opposed, further straining relations with authorities.

Rajeevar additionally addressed allegations linking him to Unnikrishnan Potti, another accused in the case. He asserted that political leaders and even ministers had closer associations with Potti than he did. If photographs were being cited as evidence of association, he argued, then images of Potti with several prominent figures should also be examined, questioning whether they too would be made accused.

He further pointed out that Potti had familial connections with Sabarimala, with relatives employed at the shrine, including a former Keezhsanthi and a guard. These details, he alleged, were suppressed during the Special Investigation Team probe and in media reporting to create the impression that Potti’s access to Sabarimala was facilitated through him.

The case continues to generate political and legal debate in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman