A dramatic turn in Kerala’s Sabarimala gold theft investigation has opposition parties up in arms after the temple’s head priest, Tantri Kantaru Rajeevaru, secured bail following 40 days behind bars. The LDF government faces accusations of orchestrating a vendetta, charges it has vehemently denied amid escalating legislative tensions.
In a pointed rebuttal, Law Minister P. Rajeev underscored the independence of the SIT’s work. He detailed how the arrest rested on concrete evidence, dismissing claims of ruling party meddling or a plot linked to the Tantri’s anti-women entry activism at Sabarimala.
Rajeevaru’s arrest had sent shockwaves through devotees and political circles alike. His bail application highlighted alleged political grudge-holding due to his role in past temple entry agitations. The Vigilance Court’s recent decision to release him cited insufficient proof of direct involvement in the gold pilferage from the revered shrine.
Opposition chief V.D. Satheesan has seized the moment, calling for the SIT to publicly outline the precise offenses pinned on the Tantri and justify the extended remand. He linked the timing to efforts to bury CPI(M)-related scandals, referencing celebratory posts on social media from LDF backers that portrayed the arrest as a governmental triumph.
Echoing earlier demands from January 11, the UDF insists on accountability for everyone implicated, from high-profile figures to religious leaders. Transparency is key, they argue: let justice proceed, but under the high court’s watchful eye to prevent any miscarriage.
The SIT’s choice to drop plans for a bail appeal signals caution, perhaps to quell narratives of bias against the Tantri. With the investigation already judicially monitored, the LDF is grappling with a narrative of overreach that could erode public trust in its handling of the sensitive case.