TDB to examine whether Kandararu Rajeevaru should continue as Sabarimala tantri: Board member
Speaking to the media, TDB Member-II Advocate P.D. Santhosh Kumar said the Board considers the matter serious, as the allegations against the tantri could raise concerns among devotees. He stated that the Board would carefully review the situation before arriving at a decision.
Kumar added that the TDB would also take into account the observations and views of the Kerala High Court while deciding on the tantri’s continuation in temple. “The Board stands with the devotees and will always act in a manner that safeguards their beliefs and supports the development of Sabarimala,” he said.
Kandararu Rajeevaru has been named as the 16th accused in a case related to the disappearance of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols at the temple. He is also listed as the 13th accused in another case concerning missing gold from the door frames of the Sreekovil, the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incidents, Rajeevaru was aware that gold-plated sheets were removed from the temple without following the prescribed procedures. The SIT alleges that he failed to report the irregularities to the relevant authorities in 2019.
The investigations are ongoing, and the TDB is expected to take a final call after reviewing legal inputs and court observations.