Sabarimala Chief Priest Hospitalised After Arrest
Kandaru Rajeevaru, the chief priest (tanthri) of Sabarimala temple, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. This development came just a day after his arrest in connection with the high-profile Sabarimala gold heist case.
Health Scare in Custody
The priest experienced discomfort on Saturday morning while lodged at the Thiruvananthapuram special sub-jail. He was promptly taken by ambulance to the general hospital. Initial medical checks revealed high blood pressure. Doctors also noted swelling in his leg and recommended further tests, including an ECG. Consequently, he was referred to the medical college hospital for advanced care.
Upon arrival, he was directly admitted to the ICU. Hospital authorities stated that the decision, based on recommendations from the cardiology and medicine departments, was taken because he required constant monitoring. Doctors confirmed Rajeevaru has a pre-existing medical history, regularly taking medicines for diabetes and hypertension. A final decision on his discharge will be made only after reviewing the full medical report.
SIT Builds Case of Conspiracy
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is preparing to formally charge the tanthri in the case involving the smuggling of gold-plated dwarapalaka sculpture claddings from the Ayyappa shrine. The SIT's remand report alleges that Rajeevaru played a key conspiratorial role by signing the 'mahassar' document, which falsely recorded the valuable gold plates as copper.
The investigation highlights his official duties as per the Travancore Devaswom Manual. The SIT, citing legal advice, asserts that the remuneration he receives from the Travancore Devaswom Board is a salary, not a dakshina (offering). This places him in a position of formal responsibility, akin to an assistant commissioner, with a clear obligation to protect temple assets.
The findings suggest the tanthri gave silent consent to another accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, to remove the sculpture plates from the temple premises, thereby neglecting his fiduciary duties.
A Revered Lineage and Ongoing Probe
Kandaru Rajeevaru is the 11th person to be arrested in this case, following the Kerala High Court's order to form the SIT. He hails from the venerable 'Thazhamon Madom' in Chengannur, a priestly family that has guided the rituals of Lord Ayyappa's abode for generations. The family's lineage is deeply respected and is associated with the legend of Lord Parasurama.
Currently, he is not performing rituals at the hill shrine. The duties of the tanthri are being handled by his relative, Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu. The case continues to unfold as the SIT delves deeper into the conspiracy behind the audacious temple heist.
