Chennithala questions Tantri's arrest in Sabarimala gold theft case

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala questioned the arrest of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging the involvement of the Kerala CM's office. The Tantri was released on bail after 41 days in judicial remand.

Chennithala Questions Tantri's Arrest

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday questioned the arrest and imprisonment of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in the Sabarimala gold theft case on Sunday. Speaking to mediapersons here Chennithala said, "It's a shock to the entire Kerala community. Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru is the representative of Lord Ayyappa. Without any evidence, how can they arrest him and put him in jail for 41 days?"

Alleges CM's Office Involvement

The senior Congress leader also alleged that the Chief Minister's office is involved in the case. He said, "There is suspicion that the Chief Minister's office is involved in this kind of activity in this case. It is very unfortunate."

Tantri Released After 41 Days in Remand

Accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, Rajeevaru walked out of the Poojappura Central Prison on Wednesday after securing bail from the Kollam Vigilance Court. Rajeevaru was released after completing 41 days in judicial remand. The court granted him bail in cases alleging misappropriation of gold from the temple's Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the Kattilappaali (door frame).

Background of the Gold Theft Case

On January 9, Rajeevaru, the Chief priest (Tantri) of Sabarimala, was arrested by the Crime Branch. He was questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Kerala police said.

The arrest was made after multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, were levelled against him. According to the arrest notice issued under Section 48 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the case pertains to alleged irregularities in the removal and handling of gold-plated copper panels and ornamental structures fixed on the sanctum sanctorum door of the Sabarimala temple.

The controversy centres on alleged irregularities in the gold plating work carried out at the Sabarimala temple. The issue stems from a 1998 donation of 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper by industrialist Vijay Mallya, intended for the cladding of the sanctum sanctorum and the wooden carvings of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. (ANI)

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