Court Grants Bail to Sabarimala Tantri Amidst Gold Artefact Controversy

Kandararu Rajeevaru, the chief priest of Sabarimala, was granted bail by a Kollam court due to lack of evidence in gold loss cases. The court noted Rajeevaru's opinion on gold artefact re-plating was not incriminating, dismissing conspiracy claims by the Special Investigation Team.

The Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to Sabarimala's chief priest, Kandararu Rajeevaru, in cases alleging the loss of gold from temple artefacts, citing insufficient evidence. Rajeevaru faces accusations as the 16th accused in the Dewarapalaka plates case and the 13th in another involving gold from the Sreekovil's doorframes.

Despite the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) claims of his involved opinion on gold artefacts' re-plating in June 2019, the court emphasized the absence of evidence to establish Rajeevaru's involvement. The court dismissed the SIT's conspiracy theory, noting Rajeevaru's non-signature on critical documents.

Recognizing Rajeevaru's limited role in artefact maintenance, which falls under Travancore Devaswom Board officials, the court deemed his religious duties and medical conditions significant reasons for bail. Rajeevaru must meet bail conditions including surrendering his passport and weekly appearances before investigators.

(With inputs from agencies.)