The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court is preparing to arrest Sabarimala’s ‘Tantri (priest)’ K Rajeevar in a second case. This move comes after receiving fresh permission from the vigilance court, intensifying the probe into alleged irregularities at the Sabarimala temple. The SIT has already filed two separate charge sheets, naming 15 individuals as accused.
Following his recent arrest in connection with one of the cases, the tantri is now facing arrest in a second case as well. The court’s approval has prompted the probe team to start the formal arrest process. The investigators are expected to complete the arrest procedures by visiting the hospital where the tantri is currently receiving treatment.
The second case involves an alleged conspiracy and fraud related to a fabricated mahazar, where gold was misrepresented as copper, along with the illicit transportation of wooden planks linked to temple works. The SIT has highlighted the tantri’s crucial role in establishing the sequence of events and assigning responsibility among the accused. Meanwhile, the vigilance court has postponed the hearing on the tantri’s bail plea to January 19.
Former Travancore Devaswom Board president A. Padmakumar, another key accused, has had his remand extended until the 27th of this month. These legal developments are significant as the Kerala High Court is on the verge of announcing its decision on a plea for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. The plea for a CBI inquiry was made by state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
With a series of arrests, expanding charge sheets, and the imminent decision on a CBI probe, the Sabarimala case is entering a crucial phase with legal and political implications for the State.
