In a major development in the ongoing Sabarimala gold smuggling investigation, the Kerala Police have arrested the temple's chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru. The arrest, which took place on Saturday, marks a significant escalation in the probe into alleged irregularities involving gold offerings at the renowned hill shrine.
The Arrest and Initial Allegations
The arrest was made by a special investigation team (SIT) led by Deputy Superintendent of Police R. Nishanthini. Kandararu Rajeevaru was taken into custody from his residence at the Pandalam palace. He was subsequently presented before a magistrate court in Pathanamthitta, which remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days.
The case stems from a statement given by the prime accused in the high-profile 2020 Kerala gold smuggling case, Swapna Suresh. During her interrogation by central agencies, Suresh allegedly named the chief priest, claiming he was involved in smuggling gold that was meant as offerings for the sacred 'Thiruvabharanam' ornaments of Lord Ayyappa.
Deepening Probe into Temple Offerings
The investigation has widened to scrutinize the entire process of handling gold offerings at Sabarimala. Authorities are examining potential discrepancies in the accounting and safekeeping of gold received from devotees. The focus is on whether there was a systematic diversion of gold, bypassing official temple channels and records.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the temple, has stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation. The board has also initiated an internal audit of its gold receipt and storage procedures in light of these serious allegations. Public reaction has been one of shock and dismay, with many devotees expressing concern over the sanctity of their offerings.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following the court order, Kandararu Rajeevaru has been transferred to the Sub Jail in Pathanamthitta. The police have indicated that his custodial interrogation may be sought later to uncover further details and potential links in the alleged smuggling network. The SIT is also likely to question other temple officials and staff members associated with the treasury and offering collection departments.
This case adds a new, sensitive dimension to the gold smuggling scandal that had already shaken Kerala's political and bureaucratic circles. The involvement of a key religious figure from one of India's most prominent pilgrimage sites has raised profound questions about security and integrity in the management of devotional wealth.
The coming days are expected to see intensified investigative activity as officials piece together the chain of events and identify all individuals involved in the alleged malpractice at the holy shrine.
