Accepting the argument that the Thantri only has tantric powers, the court said prima facie there is no evidence at this stage to prove that Thantri is directly linked to the Sabarimala gold robbery.
Tantri Rajeevar gets bail, 6th accused to secure release (photo:IANS)
In a setback to the Special investigation Team (SIT), the Kollam Vigilance Court on Wednesday granted bail to Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in connection with the Sabarimala temple gold heist case.
Special Judge Mohit CS has granted bail to Rajeevaru in connection with the cases involving the misappropriation of gold from the temple’s Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures and the Kattilappali (door frame), observing that the prosecution could not prove that he had a direct connection with Unnikrishnan Potty, the prime accused in the case.
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Accepting the argument that the Thantri only has tantric powers, the court said prima facie there is no evidence at this stage to prove that Thantri is directly linked to the Sabarimala gold robbery.
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The case pertains to the allegations that gold went missing from the gold-plated coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames to the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the Sabarimala temple.
The bail was granted with strict conditions. During the bail period, Rajeevaru should appear before the SIT on Tuesday and Saturday. He can’t enter the Pathanamthitta district and leave the state without court’s permission, and surrender his passport to the police.
Kantararu Rajeevaru is the second accused to be released on bail before 90 days. Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer S Sreekumar was the first to be released on bail. All the other accused who were released on bail in the case were arrested and released on statutory bail after 90 days
With Rajeevaru’s release, the SIT faces a setback in its investigation as several key accused, including Unnikrishnan Potty, Vasu and Murari Babu, have already secured bail.
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