Thiruvananthapuram, January 10: Kandharar Rajeevar, the chief priest (Tantri) of Sabarimala, who was arrested on January 9 in connection with the gold theft case, was transferred to the hospital on Saturday after experiencing health complications. He was initially held at the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub Jail, but jail authorities moved him to the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital in a prison ambulance for medical care.

The Sabarimala gold theft case revolves around allegations of mismanagement of gold plating at the Sabarimala temple. This controversy traces back to a 1998 donation of 30.3 kg of gold and 1,900 kg of copper by industrialist Vijay Mallya, intended for the cladding of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and wooden carvings.

Rajeevar, who holds the hereditary position of Thantri under the Travancore Devaswom Board and is a member of the Thazhamon Madam in Chengannur, was arrested following an investigation by the Crime Branch. Authorities claim Rajeevar was aware of the gold plating done earlier by the Bengaluru-based UB Group but failed to act when temple assets were allegedly removed. According to investigators, these assets were handed over to a private individual without proper rituals, customs, or divine consent.

The Crime Branch alleges that Rajeevar was present at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam during crucial rituals on May 18 and 19, 2019, when the panels were removed and later reinstalled in June 2019. Despite being involved in these key events, he allegedly did not take steps to stop or report the illegal actions. Investigators argue that Rajeevar’s inaction amounted to tacit approval, resulting in unlawful gains for the accused and causing significant losses to the Travancore Devaswom Board.

His arrest came after the investigation revealed his involvement in a conspiracy and violations of the Travancore Devaswom Manual, which stipulates that repairs to valuable temple assets must occur on-site and not be removed.