More Cases Likely Against Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in Sabarimala Gold Robbery
Thiruvananthapuram: More cases are likely to be registered against Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, who was recently arrested in connection with the Sabarimala gold robbery. Investigators have indicated that he will also be named as an accused in the Dwarapalaka sculpture case, as he is believed to have played a role in the larger conspiracy.
Rajeevaru was arrested for his involvement in the theft of the gold-plated doorframe panels and the Prabhamandalam from the Sabarimala shrine. He has been listed as the 13th accused in the case. A member of the Chengannur Thazhamon family—traditionally entrusted with Tantric rights at Sabarimala—Rajeevaru served as the Tantri during the gold-plating sponsored by Vijay Mallya in 1998–99 and again in 2019, when the gold-plated items were allegedly looted.
According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Rajeevaru abetted the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, and gave tacit approval for the theft of gold. His arrest followed nearly six hours of questioning led by Crime Branch Chief H. Venkatesh. The charges invoked against him include Sections 403, 406, 409, 466, 467, 120(B), and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 13(1) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators found that the doorframe panels and the Prabhamandalam were removed and handed over to Potty between May 14 and May 19, 2019, during a period when Rajeevaru was present at the Sannidhanam. Despite the removal of these structures, the Tantri reportedly conducted pujas in the sanctum sanctorum on May 19, even though only stone pillars remained where the gold-plated panels had previously stood.
The SIT concluded that Rajeevaru had clear knowledge of the removal of the gold plates. As per temple protocol, any such removal without the Tantri’s permission should have been reported in writing to the Devaswom Board. Investigators found that Rajeevaru failed to do so, strengthening the case that he was complicit in the conspiracy.
Further investigations are ongoing, and officials expect additional cases to be filed as more evidence emerges.