SIT Moves Kerala HC to Cancel Tantri’s Bail in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from artefacts at the Sabarimala temple has moved the Kerala High Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, one of the accused in the case.
In its petition filed on Friday, the SIT also requested the court to expunge certain remarks made by the Special Judge against the investigation team, arguing that the observations were “unwarranted and prejudicial to the investigation.”
According to the SIT, the ongoing probe has revealed that Rajeevaru had illegally invested crores of rupees with a private firm. Investigators said the inquiry is continuing and more details about his alleged illegal enrichment are being uncovered. The team maintained that sufficient evidence exists showing the tantri’s direct involvement along with other prime accused in the case.
The petition stated that the investigation had uncovered a “wide conspiracy” involving the misappropriation of a significant quantity of gold from artefacts adorning areas in and around the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala Sreekovil. The SIT alleged that the crime occurred with the tantri’s full knowledge and connivance, resulting in substantial losses to the temple.
While granting bail earlier, the Special Court in Kollam had observed that the investigating agency had not produced “any iota of evidence” to establish a direct nexus between Rajeevaru and the first accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, apart from claims that the two shared a close relationship.
Challenging that observation, the SIT told the High Court that several witnesses had given statements confirming the close association between Rajeevaru and Potti, which investigators believe is central to establishing the conspiracy.
Court backs ongoing SIT investigation
Meanwhile, the Devaswom Bench of the Kerala High Court, which is monitoring the Sabarimala gold theft case, commended the SIT for its investigation. The bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar noted that the probe was being conducted in a meticulous manner.
The judges also urged petitioners seeking a probe by a central agency to allow the SIT time to complete its work. Observing that the case involves a long chain of events and complex scientific examination of the gold involved, the bench said the investigation would naturally require time. The court directed the government pleader to file an affidavit responding to the petitions.