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Sabarimala ghee scam: Audit report reveals shortfall of ₹25 lakh, Devaswom failed to respond to queries
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has petitioned the High Court to revoke the bail granted to Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in a gold smuggling case, presenting evidence of alleged collusion between the tantri and other accused, including prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty. The SIT's petition highlights that requests for gold-plating of idols and door frames, along with the tantri's response, originated from the same computer belonging to the former Executive Officer and sixth accused, Sudheesh Kumar, and were prepared sequentially on June 18, 2019, in the same file, suggesting a conspiracy. This contradicts the Vigilance court's earlier finding of no evidence against the tantri, which the SIT argues was an untenable conclusion reached through a "mini trial" and has requested the order be set aside and adverse observations against the investigation expunged. Further evidence includes statements indicating a close relationship between Potty and the tantri, including joint travel and visits to a jeweler accused in the case, along with forensic analysis of the tantri's phone revealing objectionable material, and chat records showing Potty discussing work and sponsorships with the tantri and other Devaswom officials.
The CPM plans to avoid taking a definitive stance on the Sabarimala women's entry issue until after the 2026 Assembly elections, aiming to balance ideological concerns with political realities.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case has filed an appeal in the High Court seeking to cancel the bail granted to Sabarimala tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru by the Kollam Vigilance court, arguing that the court's decision was based on unmerited findings that could hinder the investigation. The SIT asserts there is ample evidence demonstrating the tantri's direct involvement and conspiracy in the misappropriation of cladded gold from the temple, contradicting the Vigilance court's previous assertion of no evidence against him, and claims the judge overlooked crucial facts, circumstances, and material evidence, leading to a miscarriage of justice.
The temple will open for devotees at 5 am on March 15, the first day of Meenam.
He said that the Thumba police could not verify such an event.
Potty denied any wrongdoing in the land case
Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Sabarimala gold theft case involving alleged misappropriation of 4.54 kg of gold.
CPM leader A Padmakumar is likely to be released from jail today after the Kollam Vigilance Court rules on his bail plea in the Sabarimala gold heist case.
Following the interrogation of N Vasu, the ED is expected to question Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru later this week.
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