No document or material evidence; gold theft case investigation a failure?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Court criticism that Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru was kept in custody for 41 days without a shred of evidence. The whereabouts of the gold stolen from the gold plates have not yet been found. Although the SIT investigation is under the supervision of the High Court, the course of events is such that the allegations that someone else is controlling it may be confirmed.

The Tantri was arrested during Makaravilakku on charges of knowing about the gold theft and being involved in the conspiracy, but the Kollam Vigilance Court granted him bail after finding that no strong evidence could be presented. Although 470 grams of gold was seized from Govardhan's jewellery shop in Bellary, it was not the gold taken from Sabarimala. If the gold is not found, the case will be weak. The robbery case will not stand without finding the stolen goods. All the accused may escape. It has not been possible to find out how much gold was stolen.

Six accused were granted natural bail after the chargesheet was not filed even after 90 days. Former board president A Padmakumar was granted bail in the Kattilepalli case. He can be released after he is granted bail in the Dwarapalaka case. The SIT has not been able to file a preliminary charge sheet including the available evidence. It is alleged that the investigation is being stalled as political leaders are expected to be implicated.

Arguments collapsed

• The Tantri's remand report stated that he had been involved in the robbery at the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) and had hurt the faith of crores of devotees, but no evidence could be found

• While Rajeevaru was the Tantri, Unnikrishnan Potty was the Parikarmi of Keezhsanti from 2004 to 2008. It could not be proven that there was a financial transaction between the two, who are close

• Rajeevaru was arrested on the grounds that she had given tacit approval to the gold robbery and was involved in the conspiracy. However, the absence of the Tantri's signature on the Mahasars destroyed the conspiracy argument

The government took revenge on me for closing the Sabarimala temple in protest against the entry of women and for not accepting the proposal to open the temple daily like other temples

- Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru

The Tantri is only responsible for pujas and tantric rituals. The maintenance and safekeeping of the Thiruvabharanam are the responsibility of the Devaswom Board

- Vigilance Court