Priest was arrested to save minister: Congress

25-Feb-2026

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The arrest of Kandararu Rajeevaru, Tantri (chief priest) of the Sabarimala Temple, in the gold loss case has triggered a sharp political confrontation in Kerala, with the Congress alleging a conspiracy to protect senior ministers.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala claimed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government was targeting the Rajeevaru to divert attention from those allegedly involved in the crime. "The government is arresting the Rajeevaru and saving the minister. This is what is happening in the state," he said.

He pointed to the Kollam Vigilance Court order granting bail to Rajeevaru, noting the court had observed there was "not an iota of evidence" against the chief priest. He questioned why Rajeevaru spent 41 days in jail despite the court's findings and accused the government and minister of criticising the judiciary while allegedly delaying the filing of the charge sheet.

"All the culprits who are in jail are getting bail. This is very unfortunate. The government is trying to save the people involved in the crime. That is why they are getting bail one by one," he alleged.