Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Chief Priest Arrested
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Sabarimala gold theft case has arrested the temple’s chief priest, Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, on Friday, sources said.
The case involves allegations that in 2019, parts of the temple, including door frames and Dwarapalaka idols (guardian deity statues), were sent for gold-plating but were not returned in full. This raised suspicions of theft and misappropriation, leading to a detailed investigation.
The case is being closely monitored by the High Court, and the SIT was formed to carry out a thorough probe. The arrest of the chief priest marks a significant development in the investigation, as authorities look into how the gold items were handled and who may be responsible for their disappearance.
Investigators are expected to question the priest and others involved to recover the missing gold and ensure accountability. The case has attracted widespread attention due to the temple’s religious significance and the high value of the gold involved.