Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru Gets Bail

Bail was secured in two cases related to alleged misuse of gold from temple gates and Dwarapalaka idols.

Rajeevaru, who was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on January 9 after being summoned for questioning, became the sixth accused to be granted bail in the case. He also became the second defendant to be released before the end of his 90-day detention period. The other is former administrative officer S Sreekumar.

The SIT had alleged that Rajeevaru introduced Unnikrishnan Potty to other accused and maintained a long-standing relationship with him, which was supported by call data records.

However, the court observed that there was no prima facie evidence directly linking Tantri to the theft. The court accepted the defense’s argument that Raeevaru’s role was limited to ritual duties and he was granted bail with strict conditions, citing health concerns.

During the bail hearing, the prosecution presented evidence of unaccounted property investments, arguing that Rajeevaru and his wife’s financial resources remained questionable. The SIT has demanded a detailed investigation into these transactions.

The defense objected, saying that the priest was not involved in the theft and was unfairly accused.

With the release of Rajeevaru, the SIT faced a setback in its investigation as it granted bail to many key accused, including Unnikrishnan Potty, Vasu and Murari Babu.

Former Devaswom Chairman A Padmakumar also filed a bail petition in the Kattilappali case, seeking “natural bail”; The Dwarapalaka statue case, however, did not cross the 90-day threshold. His defense will be considered by the Vigilance Court on February 19.

Meanwhile, two bail applications filed by KP Shankardas citing health reasons are scheduled to be heard on February 23.