Thiruvananthapuram: The investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case escalated significantly on Friday, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) taking temple 'tantri' (chief priest) Kantaru Rajeevar into custody. Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), widening the probe's scope.
Investigators stated that Rajeevar was taken into custody for questioning after he repeatedly failed to appear before the SIT despite being issued multiple notices. The SIT is probing his alleged connection to the gold robbery at the hill shrine.
In a parallel move, the ED has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) by consolidating two earlier charge sheets submitted by the SIT. The central agency's entry allows for the scrutiny of the "proceeds of crime" and empowers officials to attach and confiscate assets linked to the offence.
The ED case names 15 accused, mirroring the SIT's list, 12 of whom are currently in judicial custody. The agency is expected to immediately scrutinise the financial transactions of key accused, including Unnikrishnan Potti, Govardhan, and Pankaj Bhandari.
The dual crackdown comes at a sensitive time as Kerala gears up for Assembly elections. Political observers note that the involvement of a central agency like the ED, combined with the custodial interrogation of a high-profile religious figure, is likely to have significant political repercussions in the state.
(Inputs from IANS)