In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the devout community, the chief priest of the famed Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala has been taken into custody. Kandararu Rajeevaru, the tantri (chief priest), was arrested by the Kerala Police in connection with a significant theft of gold ornaments from the temple's sacred vaults.
The Heist and Initial Investigation
The case revolves around the disappearance of approximately 3.5 kilograms of gold ornaments from the Sree Dhanwanthara Moorthy temple, which is located within the larger Sabarimala temple complex in Pathanamthitta district. The theft was discovered and a formal complaint was lodged with the police by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the administrative body managing the temple, on October 30, 2024.
Investigations by a special police team pointed towards an insider's involvement. The probe intensified, leading to the interrogation of several individuals associated with the temple's daily rituals and security. The focus eventually narrowed down on the activities of the chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru.
Arrest of the Chief Priest
Following intense questioning and the collection of corroborative evidence, the police moved to arrest Tantri Rajeevaru. The arrest was formally made on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was subsequently produced before a local court in Ranni, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Authorities have indicated that the priest is a key accused in the meticulously planned heist. The investigation revealed that the stolen gold items were not ordinary offerings but were specific ornaments used for adorning the deity during special rituals and ceremonies.
Broader Implications and Temple Security
This incident has raised serious questions about the security protocols and internal audits at one of India's richest and most visited pilgrimage centers. The Sabarimala temple attracts millions of devotees annually, especially during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, with offerings amounting to crores of rupees in cash and gold.
The arrest of the highest ritual authority has deeply embarrassed the Travancore Devaswom Board and sparked outrage among believers. It has forced a major introspection into the management and oversight of temple assets. The police are continuing their investigation to trace the exact whereabouts of the stolen gold and to determine if any other individuals were part of the conspiracy.
The Kerala Police have assured the public that the probe is being conducted thoroughly and without bias. This case marks a rare and severe breach of trust at a highly revered religious institution, prompting calls for systemic reforms to safeguard its invaluable assets from internal threats.
