Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT arrests chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru; links with Potti under probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The special investigation team probing the Sabarimala gold scam arrested Friday Kandararu Rajeevaru, the tantri (chief priest) of the Ayyappa temple, after detaining and questioning him earlier in the day.

Rajeevaru was arrested for his alleged close links with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and for giving “silent permission” to the replating of the dwarapalaka (guardian) idol and kattilapadi (door frame) gold-clad plates outside the temple premises, official sources said.

Rajeevaru maintained that approval was given only for repair work and all procedures were followed. He has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

SIT investigators claim Potti had visited Sabarimala temple as an associate of the tantri. Sponsorship permissions granted to Potti were found to be questionable and investigators suspect that Rajeevaru had a close relationship with him as the tantri himself had led all dealings involving Potti.

Rajeevaru’s involvement in these transactions was “confirmed” primarily based on Potti’s statements.
SIT found that Rajeevaru was aware that replating was carried out outside the premises of the shrine in 2019, violating ritual norms, and he did not report it because of his proximity to Potti, who was handed plates for replating.

SIT is investigating two cases related to the lost gold, and Rajeevaru’s arrest was recorded in the second case, sources said. He is the 12th person to be arrested in the case. His bail plea is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.