Tantri Kandharar Rajeevar Arrested in Sabarimala Gold theft Case
Thiruvananthapuram: In a major development in the Sabarimala gold heist case, Sabarimala Tantri Kandarar Rajeevar has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The Tantri had been taken into custody earlier on Friday morning and was formally arrested after hours of detailed interrogation.
Following the arrest, Kandarar Rajeevar was taken to the Crime Branch office. Sources say the custody and questioning of the Tantri were carried out under strict secrecy. Although his involvement had been under suspicion for some time, the SIT executed the move with utmost confidentiality.
Investigators have reportedly found evidence suggesting that it was the Tantri who provided opportunities to Unnikrishnan Potti, the key accused in the gold heist. The SIT has also noted that the Tantri received salary from the Devaswom Board and therefore falls under the purview of anti-corruption laws. Information has emerged indicating that the Tantri was aware of the gold smuggling activities carried out by Potti.
The investigation team is said to have adopted a strategic approach in the case. During the consideration of Padmakumar’s bail plea, the SIT reportedly ensured that the Tantri’s role was not explicitly revealed, a move aimed at preventing the grant of anticipatory bail.
According to reports, three permissions granted by the Tantri are considered suspicious. Permission from the Tantri is mandatory for all activities related to Sabarimala. While Kandharar Rajeevar had earlier maintained that he had not given permission to take gold outside the temple premises, investigators have found that approvals granted under certain sponsorships appear questionable.
At one stage, Devaswom Vigilance officials had proceeded by placing trust in the Tantri and had concluded that he had no direct role in the gold heist. However, contrary to that earlier assessment, the Special Investigation Team has now taken Kandharar Rajeevar into custody, marking a significant turn in the high-profile investigation.