Sabarimala Chief Priest Arrested in Shocking Gold Theft Investigation

In a development that has certainly sent ripples of surprise and concern through Kerala's spiritual and social circles, Kandararu Rajeevaru, the highly respected chief priest, or 'Tantri,' of the iconic Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, has found himself in police custody. The arrest, which occurred recently near his residence in the Kottayam district, is tied to a rather complex gold theft case that initially surfaced way back in 2018.

It's quite a story, really. The whole affair kicked off when Rajeevaru himself reported a robbery at his flat. He claimed that a significant quantity of gold, reportedly intended for specific temple rituals – not, as some might initially assume, directly from the temple hundi, but rather gold linked to his sacred duties – had been stolen from his safe during that incident. At the time, it was treated as a straightforward case of robbery, and naturally, an investigation began.

However, as investigations often do, this one took a rather unexpected turn over the years. Police, pursuing leads related to the original theft, eventually apprehended two individuals, Vishnu and Arun. And this is where things get truly interesting. During their interrogation, these two reportedly dropped a bombshell, implicating none other than Rajeevaru himself in the very theft he had reported. They suggested that there was more to the story than just a simple robbery.

Following these new revelations, the police delved deeper, meticulously examining Rajeevaru's initial statements from 2018. It seems they discovered some crucial inconsistencies and discrepancies, which ultimately led them to conclude that there was sufficient ground for his arrest. It’s certainly a profound moment when a figure of such spiritual stature faces such serious allegations and subsequent legal action.

Currently, Rajeevaru is under judicial custody as the investigation continues. This is, without a doubt, a sensitive and closely watched case, given his prominent role at one of India's most significant pilgrimage sites. The legal process will now unfold, seeking to uncover the full truth behind the alleged gold theft and the extent of any involvement, providing clarity on a situation that has undoubtedly shaken many.