Sabarimala Gold Loot Case: SIT Records Statements of Temple Tantris, Former TDB Chief in Custody
In a major development in the Sabarimala gold loot investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday recorded the statements of two tantris (chief priests) of the Sabarimala temple — Kandararu Rajeevaru and Kandararu Mohanaru.
According to sources, both priests were summoned to the Kerala Crime Branch office at Enchakkal, Thiruvananthapuram, where the SIT collected their detailed testimonies. The tantris reportedly informed the investigators that they had permitted the removal of the gold-plated Dwarapalaka sculptures and door frames solely based on directives from administrative officials. They clarified that they had never authorised transporting any temple idols or gold-plated panels to Chennai for gold plating or renovation work, adding that their approval was restricted to minor repair work within the Sabarimala premises.
They further stressed that their role was limited to granting approval only for matters that aligned with temple rituals and traditions.
The priests also acknowledged being acquainted with Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the case, but maintained that their actions were solely based on information provided by officials about the deteriorated condition of the sculptures.
Meanwhile, the SIT on Wednesday secured police custody of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president and CPM leader A. Padmakumar for further interrogation. He was produced before the Special Vigilance Court in Kollam, which remanded him to SIT custody until Friday for detailed questioning.
Padmakumar’s custodial interrogation has triggered serious concern within the ruling CPM, especially with local body elections just two weeks away. The party fears potential political repercussions, particularly if Padmakumar reiterates his earlier claim that he acted based on an application forwarded by the government. Should he maintain this position during custodial interrogation, the probe could potentially widen to include former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran.