Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru Granted Bail
The Kollam Vigilance Court has granted bail to Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. Rajeevaru was granted bail in both cases in which he was implicated, marking his release on the 41st day after his arrest.
Investigations had revealed significant financial dealings, with the probe team informing the court about substantial investments totalling Rs 2.05 crore in the Tantri’s name and an additional Rs 62 lakh under his wife’s name, both held in a private financial institution. According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), these accounts had not been disclosed to the Income Tax Department.
During arguments on February 10, the prosecution voiced strong concerns regarding the possibility of numerous other similar undisclosed accounts. They contended that granting bail at this critical juncture could potentially obstruct the ongoing investigation into these suspicious financial transactions.
The prosecution also challenged the defense’s assertion that the Tantri did not qualify as a public servant. They highlighted that Kandararu Rajeevaru had received Rs 7.25 lakh from the Devaswom Board during the 2024-25 financial year, thereby legally classifying him as a ‘public servant’ under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Rajeevaru’s arrest on January 9 led to his judicial custody. He was subsequently admitted to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital on Saturday, January 10, after reporting physical discomfort.
The Tantri faces serious accusations, being named the 16th accused in the case concerning the disappearance of gold from the Dvarapalaka idols and the 13th accused in the case related to the loss of gold from the Sreekovil door frames.
The SIT had formally charged the Tantri, alleging that he was aware of the removal of gold-plated sheets from the Sabarimala Temple without adherence to established procedures. Furthermore, he stands accused of failing to inform the concerned authorities about these irregularities in 2019.