God-like figure arrested; Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru named 13th accused in Sabarimala gold theft case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The “god-like figure” pointed out by former Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, who is currently in remand in the Sabarimala gold theft case, has now been arrested. The chief priest (Tantri) of the temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru (66), has been sent to jail in connection with the theft of gold-plated panels and the prabhamandalam from the sanctum sanctorum. He is the 13th accused in the case. Rajeevaru belongs to the Thazhamon family of Chengannur, which traditionally holds the tantric rights at Sabarimala.

Rajeevaru served as the Tantri during the 1998–99 period when Vijay Mallya donated gold, as well as during the 2019 gold panel theft. The Special Investigation Team arrested him after concluding that he supported the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, gave tacit consent to the theft, and played a role in the conspiracy.

The arrest was made after nearly six hours of questioning by the SIT led by Crime Branch chief H. Venkatesh. Rajeevaru has been remanded to the Poojappura Special Sub Jail for 14 days. After taking him into custody for further questioning, the SIT will record his arrest in the case related to the theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols as well.

Cases have been registered against him under IPC Sections 403, 406, 409, 466, 467, 120(B), 34, and Sections 13(1) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. According to the SIT, the gold-plated panels of the sanctum door and the prabhamandalam were removed and handed over to Potty on May 18, 2019, during the period when Rajeevaru was present at the Sannidhanam from May 14 to May 19, 2019. Despite the panels being removed, Rajeevaru conducted temple rituals on May 19, when only stone pillars remained in place. This led the SIT to conclude that the Tantri had clear knowledge of the removal. If the panels had been removed without his consent, he should have informed the Devaswom Board in writing, which he failed to do.

Serious ritual violation; silent approval for theft The SIT said that the Tantri, who is responsible for protecting the sanctity, spiritual value, and divine presence of the temple, supported serious ritual violations. By not informing the board about the removal of the panels, he gave criminal silent consent to the theft and did not stop Potty from taking away the gold panels.

The items removed included two gold-plated panels with Dashavatar carvings on the sanctum door, a panel on the upper step, and two prabhamandalam panels featuring gold-plated Shiva and Vyali figures. These were removed and handed over to Potty on May 18, 2019, based on a Devaswom Board order issued on March 20, 2019. The SIT noted that divine permission was not sought and proper tantric procedures were not followed.

Even when the temple opened for the Mithunam month poojas on June 15, 2019, the panels had not been returned, a fact the Tantri was aware of. He was present at the Sannidhanam during this period as well. When the panels were finally brought back and reinstalled on June 18, 2019, Rajeevaru was present. As per the Devaswom Manual, repairs of valuable temple items must be carried out within the temple premises, and such items should not be taken outside. The earlier gold-coating work carried out using gold sponsored by Vijay Mallya was also done within the Sannidhanam premises.

Who is next? With the arrest of the Tantri, there is growing curiosity about who will be arrested next in the gold theft case. The SIT has indicated that several prominent figures are yet to be arrested. Further questioning of the Tantri is expected to answer many unresolved questions, including where the gold panels were taken.

Former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran is also under suspicion. The SIT is examining his statements, as he had denied all allegations during questioning. If contradictions are found, he may face legal trouble. Former board member Sankaradasan is likely to be arrested soon. The SIT may also question former board president Prasanth again for granting permission for gold coating in 2025.

Enforcement Directorate registers case Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also registered a case in connection with the Sabarimala gold theft. All accused named in the two cases registered by the SIT, including Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, have been included in the ED case as well. ED sources said more people may be named as accused as the investigation progresses. Assistant Director Ashu Goyal is leading the ED investigation. The Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was registered yesterday evening. Charges have been filed under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Reacting to his arrest, Kandarar Rajeevar said, “I have not committed any crime. I have been framed. Swami Saranam.”