Congress Pushes for Accountability: CMO Implicated in Tantri’s Unjust Arrest Over Sabarimala Gold Theft
On February 22, 2026, the Congress party in Kerala raised serious allegations against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office concerning the arrest of Kandararu Rajeevaru, the chief priest of the Sabarimala temple, in connection with a gold theft case. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala asserted that the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) used Rajeevaru as a scapegoat to protect former and current Devaswom Ministers, along with P.S. Prasanth, the former president of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), from legal repercussions.
Chennithala cited last week’s court decision to grant bail to Rajeevaru as pivotal evidence against the CMO. He pointed out that the court determined the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had failed to present any credible evidence linking the Tantri to the alleged irregularities in the case. The court specifically noted that Rajeevaru had no involvement in the temple’s property maintenance, which is managed by TDB officials at various levels.
“The SIT, appointed by the High Court, has seemingly fallen under the CMO’s influence. Rajeevaru was arrested due to political pressure aimed at diverting attention from members of the CPI(M) associated with the heist,” Chennithala stated. He argued that the court ruling appeared to validate Rajeevaru’s claims of being a target of a political vendetta, especially given the priest’s prior opposition to the entry of menstruating women into the temple.
In his bail application, Rajeevaru contended that the government had a motive against him due to his stance on preserving temple traditions in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling, which permitted women of all ages to enter Sabarimala. This contentious issue has remained at the forefront of regional discussions regarding the intersection of faith and law.
Countering Congress’s accusations, Law Minister Rajeeve stated that it is up to legal experts to determine whether a trial court can assess case merits during a bail hearing, particularly when the High Court has expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation. Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh criticized the Congress party for not addressing comments from BJP leader Sreedharan Pillai, who allegedly advised Rajeevaru to defy the Supreme Court’s directive concerning women’s entry into the temple. Rajesh affirmed that the Tantri does not possess any special legal privileges.
The political tension surrounding Rajeevaru’s arrest underscores a broader dialogue in Kerala about religious practices and the legal system, as various parties position themselves in the wake of this high-profile case. As the situation unfolds, the involvement of the CMO and its implications for ongoing investigations will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors of the ruling party.
This case intertwines the complexities of religious tradition, legal authority, and political maneuvering, reflecting Kerala’s unique sociopolitical landscape. As parties stake their claims, the ramifications of this case could shape future discourse on governance and religious freedoms in the region.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Kandararu Rajeevaru continues to ignite debate regarding political interference in judicial matters and the ongoing struggle over religious norms in contemporary Kerala.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/congress-seeks-to-implicate-cmo-in-wrongful-arrest-of-tantri-in-the-sabarimala-gold-theft-case/article70662917.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2026-02-22 15:50:00
