'Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru has two crore rupees in deposit'; SIT presents evidence before court

KOLLAM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has presented the financial sources of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, including his family members, in the Sabarimala gold robbery case. The SIT has indicated these in the report filed against Kandararu Rajeevaru's bail plea. The SIT's findings are that the Tantri and his family members have huge investments in financial institutions.

It was found that Rs 2.05 crore was deposited in the name of the Tantri and Rs 62 lakh in the name of his wife. The report was submitted to the Kollam Vigilance Court. The SIT also clarified that the Tantri would be classified as a public servant. The hearing on the Tantri's bail plea has been completed. The verdict on the bail plea will be pronounced on the 18th of this month.

The defence told the court that Tantri could not be included in the proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act, but the prosecution opposed it and presented arguments. Although Tantri is not an official of the Devaswom Board, he is under the Devaswom Board. Tantri has been accused of taking about seven lakh rupees from the Devaswom Board in the year 2024-25 on various occasions. Therefore, the Tantri falls under the category of public servant and the Prevention of Corruption Act is applicable, the prosecution clarified.

Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation will be conducted into the change of the Sabarimala flagpole. It is reported that a special vigilance team has been appointed for the investigation.