Thiruvananthapuram,10 Jan (H.S.):The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has decided to conduct an in-depth probe into the financial dealings of Kandararu Rajeevaru, the chief priest (Thantri) of the Sabarimala temple, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the sensational gold heist case linked to the hill shrine.

According to officials, the SIT plans to seek custodial interrogation of the Thantri at the earliest to question him in detail about suspected monetary transactions related to the case. As part of the investigation, the team will also carry out inspections at his residence and other locations connected to him, focusing on financial records and possible links to the alleged conspiracy.

Earlier, the SIT had informed the court through its remand report that it had uncovered serious offences involving the Thantri. The report stated that he had violated established religious practices and was an active participant in a criminal conspiracy. Investigators allege that he played a crucial role in facilitating illegal activities connected to the removal and handling of temple property.

The SIT further stated that Kandararu Rajeevaru had extended all necessary assistance to bring Unnikrishnan Potti, the first accused in the case, to Sabarimala and to have him appointed as a sponsor. The Thantri is accused of knowingly granting permission to Potti to carry out gold plating on the panels of the Dwarapalaka (gatekeeper deity) sculpture. Investigators claim that this approval was given with full awareness of the nature and implications of the work.

According to the SIT, the interventions made by Potti were carried out with the Thantri’s tacit consent. It is alleged that the removal of the panels was driven by financial gain, a fact that the Thantri was aware of in advance. Despite this knowledge, he allegedly made no attempt to prevent the panels from being taken away.

The remand report also points out that, under the Devaswom Manual, the Thantri has a duty to safeguard the spiritual sanctity of the temple. The SIT questioned why the Thantri neither opposed the removal of the wooden panels nor informed the Devaswom Board about the act.

The Thantri was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by the Kollam Vigilance Court and later shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub Jail. His bail application is scheduled to be considered on January 13. Listed as the 13th accused in the case, the Thantri sought medical assistance, informing the court that he suffers from diabetes and high cholesterol, a request the court accepted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman