Thiruvananthapuram,25Feb(HS): BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday alleged that the arrest of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case was politically motivated and intended to shield senior leaders from scrutiny.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the ailing Tantri at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, Chandrasekhar claimed that the government was attempting to divert attention from the alleged involvement of Ministers V.N. Vasavan and Kadakampally Surendran in the controversy.

“The arrest was not to ensure justice, but to deflect public attention,” Chandrasekhar said. He pointed out that the remand report contained no substantive allegations against the Tantri and questioned why he was arrested “without a shred of evidence.” According to the BJP leader, if accountability is to be fixed in the gold theft case, it is the Ministers who should face investigation, not the temple’s chief priest.

Chandrasekhar further responded to allegations that the Tantri’s relative is a BJP functionary, challenging the police to produce evidence if such claims exist. “If there is proof, let it be presented. Making baseless statements will only invite counter-allegations,” he said.

Invoking the sentiments of Ayyappa devotees, Chandrasekhar urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to take three immediate steps if the government genuinely respects the faith of believers: hand over the gold theft probe to the CBI, file a fresh affidavit before the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala women’s entry case, and withdraw all cases registered in connection with protests over women’s entry into the temple.

The BJP leader’s remarks came during his visit to the Tantri, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. While in judicial custody, Rajeevaru underwent an angiogram at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where doctors reportedly detected a cardiac block. He was subsequently shifted to the private facility for further evaluation and treatment.

Meanwhile, the Tantri has approached the court seeking relaxation of his bail conditions in the gold theft case. He has requested permission to enter Pathanamthitta district, citing the need to receive treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvalla. The petition was filed before the Kollam Vigilance Court, and a decision is awaited.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman