Kerala Court Grants Bail to Sabarimala Chief Priest in Gold Loss Cases

A vigilance court in Kollam on Wednesday granted bail to Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in two cases related to the alleged loss and misappropriation of gold from the Lord Ayyappa shrine, police sources said.

Rajeevaru has been arraigned as the 16th accused in a case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols at the hill shrine. He is also listed as the 13th accused in another case pertaining to the alleged loss of gold from the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) .

According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cases, the tantri was aware that gold-clad plates were removed in 2019 without completing prescribed procedures . The SIT has alleged that despite having knowledge of the irregularities, he failed to report the matter to the concerned authorities .

The allegations against him primarily relate to procedural lapses and omission to inform authorities , rather than direct involvement in the physical removal of gold, sources indicated.

The court granted him bail in both cases. The detailed order and conditions, if any, are awaited . The investigation remains ongoing.