In a stunning development that has rocked the devout followers of Lord Ayyappa, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational gold theft from Kerala’s Sabarimala temple has raised serious questions over the involvement of the temple’s chief priest, the Tantri. The multi-crore heist, which came to light last year, involved the mysterious disappearance of antique gold ornaments and treasures from the sanctum sanctorum, sparking outrage across the state.
The SIT’s comprehensive report, submitted to the Kerala High Court, meticulously outlines lapses in security protocols and highlights the Tantri’s pivotal position during key rituals when the theft is believed to have occurred. Sources close to the investigation reveal that the priest’s unexplained absences and failure to adhere to traditional inventory checks have come under sharp scrutiny. ‘The Tantri holds unparalleled authority over the temple’s inner chambers,’ an insider noted, emphasizing how this role could have facilitated unauthorized access.
Devotees are now demanding a thorough overhaul of temple administration. Political parties have seized on the report, with the BJP accusing the LDF government of shielding influential figures, while the ruling dispensation insists on a fair probe. As the court prepares to deliberate, the shadow of doubt over the Tantri threatens to tarnish one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
This case underscores broader concerns about the management of religious treasures in major temples. Will the revelations lead to reforms, or deepen the divide? The nation watches closely as justice unfolds in the hills of Sabarimala.