Thiruvananthapuram, 09 Jan (H.S.): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold heist case has arrested Kandararu Rajeevaru, the Tantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala temple. He was questioned since morning at a secret location in Thiruvananthapuram today and will soon be produced before a special court.

Rajeevaru was summoned to the capital and interrogated as part of what officials describe as a decisive phase of the investigation. Sources indicated that the Tantri was taken into SIT custody for questioning.

Investigators believe Rajeevaru maintained close links with the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. According to the SIT, this relationship allegedly enabled Potti to gain access to Sabarimala—an entry investigators say would not have been possible without the Tantri’s influence.

The SIT further suspects that Rajeevaru had prior knowledge of the gold theft, a claim that forms a key line of inquiry.

The probe has intensified in recent weeks after the Kerala High Court criticised the investigation for failing to move “up the ladder” and identify higher-level involvement.

In the wake of the court’s observations, the SIT appears to have accelerated its efforts, expanding the scope of questioning to include influential figures.

Earlier, former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar—who was arrested in connection with the case—had hinted that “people treated as god-like” were operating behind the scenes of the alleged conspiracy. That remark has gained renewed attention as the investigation approaches what officials say is its final stage.

The SIT is expected to submit its findings soon. Authorities maintain that all leads are being pursued and that no individual, regardless of position or stature, will be spared if evidence establishes culpability.

However, a retired senior official of the Travancore Devaswom Board told media persons that the Tantri was not the direct custodian of Sabarimala temple materials and that the responsibility of guarding the temple wealth rests with officials. The senior official, however, said that in certain matters, including the posting of people like Unnikrishnan Potti, the Tantri had a role.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman