The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple, today conducted a raid at the residence of Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, the temple’s chief priest, as part of the ongoing investigation.

An eight-member SIT team, including women police personnel, carried out a detailed search at the Thazhamon Madom residence at Mundankavu near Chengannur. The search began in the afternoon and focused on collecting documents and other materials believed to be crucial to the probe.

Rajeevaru was arrested on Friday after prolonged questioning by the SIT and was later remanded to judicial custody. According to investigators, the raid was conducted to trace additional evidence and to corroborate information obtained during his interrogation.

The SIT has alleged that the Tantri had prior knowledge of the unauthorised removal of gold plates from the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple and failed to raise objections, thereby facilitating the offence. These allegations have been mentioned in the remand report submitted before the court.

The gold theft case has triggered widespread attention across the state, with multiple arrests already made. The investigation is progressing under close judicial scrutiny, and the SIT is continuing efforts to identify all those involved and to recover the missing temple valuables.

Meanwhile, Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, who is in judicial custody in connection with the Sabarimala temple gold plate theft case, reportedly felt unwell while lodged at the Thiruvananthapuram Special Sub Jail on Saturday.

Following complaints of discomfort and health issues, he was immediately shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital, where he is currently under medical observation.

After initial medical examinations, including an ECG, doctors recommended further treatment, following which he was to be shifted to a medical college hospital for continued care.

Rajeevaru remains in jail custody under a remand order issued by the Kollam Vigilance Court until January 23.

The case has also acquired political overtones, with BJP leaders visiting the Tantri’s residence. They described the visit as a 'friendly' one, while raising questions about certain aspects of the investigation and the arrests made so far.

Responding to the developments, BJP National Executive Committee member Kummanam Rajasekharan stressed the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the Sabarimala gold robbery case.

He said the probe must proceed in the right direction, irrespective of who is involved, whether a minister or the Tantri, and that the law should be allowed to take its natural course.

However, he noted that devotees continue to harbour serious doubts about the manner in which the investigation is being conducted. He alleged that the probe has failed to examine crucial aspects, including who sold the Sabarimala gold plates and who benefited from the proceeds.

Kummanam pointed out that former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran was questioned, but no clarity has emerged regarding the outcome of that questioning. Stating that the case has national and international dimensions, he said the investigation should be handed over to central agencies.

He also expressed suspicion over the resistance to investigations by agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI, adding that opposition to the involvement of national agencies in a case with alleged international links has raised public apprehensions about possible manipulation of the probe.

Kummanam further said that the arrest of the Tantri on the eve of the Makara Vilakku festival has caused anxiety and distress among devotees.

The investigation should extend to senior leaders, including Adoor Prakash, Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and should not be confined to a single Tantri, he added.