Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Sabarimala Chief Priest Arrested in Gold Theft Case
The Chief Priest of the Sabarimala temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for his alleged involvement in a gold theft case.
The case centers around the irregularities in the gold plating of the temple, which was donated by industrialist Vijay Mallya in 1998.
The SIT has been investigating the case and has examined 181 witnesses so far.
The Kerala High Court has granted the SIT an additional six weeks to complete the investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is expected to scrutinize the financial transactions of key accused.
The case has political implications as it comes close to the build-up to the next Assembly elections in Kerala.
The Chief Priest of Sabarimala temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, was arrested by the SIT in connection with the gold theft case.
The case involves allegations of irregularities in the gold plating of the temple, donated by Vijay Mallya in 1998.
The SIT has examined 181 witnesses and has arrested 12 accused so far.
The Kerala High Court has granted the SIT an additional six weeks to complete the investigation.
The ED has filed a case under the PMLA and is expected to scrutinize the financial transactions of key accused.
- Who
- Kandararu Rajeevaru, the Chief Priest of Sabarimala temple, and 14 other accused
- What
- Arrest of the Chief Priest in connection with the alleged theft of gold from the Sabarimala temple
- When
- The arrest took place on Friday, January 9, 2020
- Where
- Sabarimala temple in Kerala, India
- Why
- The Chief Priest was arrested for his alleged involvement in the gold theft case and for evading summons issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Priest Arrested
- Kandararu Rajeevaru
- Gold Donated
- 30.3 kg
- Copper Donated
- 1,900 kg
- Witnesses Examined
- 181
- Accused Arrested
- 12
- Total Accused
- 15
- Investigation Period Extended
- 6 weeks
