The legal battle surrounding the Sabarimala Temple took a dramatic turn on February 18, 2026, when the Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to the temple’s chief priest, Tantri Rajeevaru Kandararu. After spending 41 days in the Poojappura Central Prison following a highly publicized arrest, the Tantri walked free. The court’s observations have raised serious questions about the investigation, with some suggesting that the Hindu priesthood is being used as a scapegoat to protect political interests.

The Details of the Arrest and Charges

The SIT (Special Investigation Team) arrested Rajeevaru Kandararu on January 9, 2026. The charges against him were severe and multifaceted. He was named as the 13th accused in a First Information Report (FIR) involving the theft of gold from the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). Additionally, he was listed as the 16th accused in a second FIR concerning the gold plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols.

The SIT leveled heavy accusations against the Tantri, including:

• Criminal breach of trust and forgery.
• Criminal conspiracy.
• Provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

A Strong Rebuke from the Vigilance Court

In a strongly worded bail order, Vigilance Court Judge Mohit C.S. noted that the SIT had failed to provide even the smallest amount of proof to back these claims. The judge stated that there was “not an iota of evidence” against Tantri Rajeevaru Kandararu and that the SIT failed to establish any “prima facie materials to link the petitioner in the alleged conspiracy by any means.”

The court accepted the defense’s argument regarding the Devaswom Manual. This official manual dictates that the Tantri’s responsibilities are strictly limited to performing poojas and religious ceremonies. He holds no authority over the repair, maintenance, or upkeep of temple property—those duties belong to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials.

Key findings by Judge Mohit C.S. included:

The Tantri had not signed essential mahazars* (legal documents) dated May 18 and July 20, 2019. The court noted these signatures would have been vital if a conspiracy truly existed.
An opinion Kandararu gave on May 18, 2019, recommending the replating of gold, was deemed a “routine response to a formal TDB decision”* rather than an act of wrongdoing.
While the Tantri did sign a mahazar* on July 19, 2019, regarding the handing over of gilded sheets, the court found this was done following a formal Board decision to give the items to the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti.

The court ruled: “Further, the mere signing of the first mahazar of July 19, 2019, by itself in the absence of any other incriminating circumstances is also not a ground to implicate Tantri at this stage, especially since the mahazar was prepared pursuant to the formal decision of the Devaswom Board.”

The Issue of "Dakshina" and Financial Suspicion

The SIT remained remarkably persistent in trying to deny bail, claiming they were investigating "suspicious financial transactions" linked to the Tantri. The court dismissed this logic, pointing out that as the head priest of Sabarimala, Kandararu naturally receives significant amounts of “Dakshina” and other traditional gifts from thousands of devotees. The judge clarified that these religious offerings “cannot be used as a ground to suspect Tantri’s complicity in the crime in question.”

Allegations of Political Revenge

In a bail application filed by his legal counsel—B Raman Pillai, Sujesh Menon, and C D Anil—Tantri Kandararu alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government was seeking “revenge.” He argued his arrest was a direct result of his fierce opposition to the LDF government’s attempts to allow women aged 10–50 into the temple during the "women’s entry row."

Kandararu stated he was targeted for “taking a strong stand on preserving temple customs and rituals.” He revealed that he had even threatened to stop performing rituals if customs were tampered with. He further alleged that CPM leaders and police officials tried to force the entry of women into the shrine, and because he blocked these attempts, he faced “public attacks from the influential figures of the ruling front.”

Another point of friction was his objection to the government's proposal to keep the temple open on all days. The plea argued that his arrest was an attempt to create a “false narrative” that the highest priest was involved in illicit gold transactions to ruin his reputation.

The Political Storm: CPIM vs. Congress and BJP

The court's decision triggered a massive political debate in Kerala. CPIM leader M.V. Govindan, speaking in Kannur on February 22, maintained a hard line, stating: “He (Tantri Rajeevaru Kandararu) figures in the ‘list of big thieves’.” The CPIM also questioned the Vigilance Court’s right to make such strong observations, arguing that since a High Court division bench had previously called the probe "proper," a lower court should not make statements that “appear like a final verdict.”

On the other side, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala held a press conference on February 22, alleging the Tantri was “deliberately trapped” at the behest of the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Chennithala claimed the arrest was a distraction to protect powerful LDF-linked figures, specifically naming:

• V.N. Vasavan (Current Devaswom Minister)
• Kadakampally Surendran (Former Minister)
• P.S. Prasanth (Ex-TDB President)

Chennithala compared the case to the "actor rape case," asking why the SIT didn't follow the same legal urgency there. He called it a clear case of “political intervention... to save ruling front figures.” The BJP and several Hindu rights groups have also condemned the arrest, accusing the government of scapegoating priests to hide corruption.

The Push for a CBI Investigation

Following the arrest, the Akhila Tanthri Pracharak Sabha, led by Chairman M.S. Sreerajasekharan, approached the Kerala High Court. They are demanding a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe, arguing that the current investigation is clouded by politics. They allege the SIT is shielding "real culprits" and intentionally delaying the chargesheet because they know the case against Kandararu will not “sustain in a court of law.”

The Sabha specifically mentioned that the SIT’s only allegation was that the Tantri allowed the removal of gold-clad copper without the “anunja” (spiritual permission) of Lord Ayyappa. They also argued that the misappropriation of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames are separate issues and should be investigated by a different agency.

Background: The Sabarimala Gold Theft Case

The investigation began after the Kerala High Court intervened. In September 2025, the court criticized the TDB for removing gold-plated coverings against traditional rules.

Historically, the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner had recommended a traditional gold coating method using 303 grams of gold (valued at approximately ₹31 lakhs). However, after speaking with a sponsor, this stance was reversed, and the items were sent to Smart Creations in Chennai for electroplating. This violated the TDB Sub Group Manual, which mandates such work be done at the temple site (Sannidhanam).

The High Court has since ordered the seizure of all records, including information about old Dwarapalaka idols kept in a strong room for possible gold extraction. While the SIT continues its work, the court has also allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate potential money laundering, despite initial opposition from the SIT.