Sabarimala gold theft case: Tantri appears before ED, questioning begins

KOCHI: Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru has appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft case. He is being questioned at the ED's office in Kochi. The agency is investigating alleged money laundering and illegal financial transactions linked to the gold theft case.

Former Devaswom Board President N. Vasu was also questioned by the ED the other day. He was earlier included in the accused list by the special investigation team after it was found that he had signed key documents related to the gold theft case. The ED had issued notices to both N. Vasu and the tantri to appear in the first week of March. N. Vasu was questioned after he was granted default bail, following nearly three months in jail. Sources indicate that more important developments are expected in the coming days.

The first accused in the case, Unnikrishnan Potty, has not yet been issued a notice. The investigation is expected to reach him only after other accused persons are questioned. Actor Jayaram, who is listed as a witness in the case, was also questioned by the ED in recent weeks. A total of 28 people have been included in the accused list, while eight individuals are on the witness list. As several accused were arrested earlier, the ED had initiated proceedings to freeze the assets of N. Vasu and others. Direct questioning has now begun as part of the ongoing probe.