“If a theft occurred in Sabarimala, the Devaswom Board and its officials are responsible,” says the Tantri.
Pathanamthitta: In the Sabarimala gold theft case, Tantri (chief priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru has given a statement against the Devaswom Board. He told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that if gold theft actually took place, the responsibility lies with the Devaswom Board and its officials. He stated that his role was limited only to overseeing ritual-related matters. The Tantri also clarified that he was not the one who brought Unnikrishnan Potti to Sannidhanam as a sponsor. The ED said it will examine his statement in detail and may summon him again if necessary.
Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had found crucial information against the Tantri in connection with the gold theft. According to the SIT findings, Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru was aware that Unnikrishnan Potti had taken the gold and committed fraud. The SIT also stated that Potti and the Tantri had a close relationship, and that it was the Tantri who brought Potti to Sabarimala. Despite knowing that the plates were gold-coated, the Tantri allegedly signed a document describing them as copper plates.
In the gold theft case, Kandararu Rajeevaru is the 13th accused. The SIT report states that the Tantri was part of the conspiracy with the other accused. It alleges that even after the gold from the door frames and other plates was taken away, the Tantri did not intervene and instead supported the violation of temple rituals. The report also says he cooperated with the 1st, 9th, and 10th accused to gain financial benefits.
Meanwhile, the Tantri was granted bail on the 41st day after his arrest. He became the first accused in the case to receive bail so quickly. The bail was granted with conditions: he must not enter Pathanamthitta district, must appear before the investigating officers for two days, must appear whenever the investigators require in connection with the case, and must not influence witnesses.