Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru taken to hospital after feeling unwell in jail

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, arrested in the Sabarimala gold theft case and currently under remand in Poojappura Special Sub-Jail, felt his health deteriorating this morning. The chief tantric of the Sabarimala temple will be brought to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital immediately.

He will be taken to the hospital in a prison ambulance. During the medical examination at the General Hospital yesterday, Tantri told the doctors of his medical conditions, including blood pressure and diabetes. The SIT presented a medical examination report in the court stating that Tantri does not have any serious health problems.

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.

The SIT said that Tantri was involved in the conspiracy by abetting the gold theft and giving his tacit approval to Potty. He was remanded to the Poojappura Special Sub-Jail for 14 days.