Exercise prudence in Sabarimala gold theft probe, says Edneer Mutt head

The head of Edneer Mutt, Sri Sachidananda Bharathi Swamigal, has criticised the decision to arraign and arrest Sabarimala temple’s chief priest in the Sabarimala gold theft case, calling for greater restraint and wisdom in the investigation.

Reacting to the inclusion of Sabarimala Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru as an accused, the Mutt head said the Vigilance court had granted him bail and observed that there was no evidence against him. In such circumstances, investigative agencies must exercise caution and responsibility, he said.

He pointed out that tantris occupy a spiritually significant position in Hindu temples entrusted with preserving rituals and traditions. Naming a person holding such a position as an accused in a criminal case without sufficient evidence could undermine public confidence in the legal system and affect the faith of millions of devotees, he added.

The Swamigal said the Special Investigation Team should have conducted a more in-depth probe before proceeding with the arrest and that the court’s criticism of the investigation should be taken seriously by the agencies concerned. He urged investigators to show heightened vigilance and accountability in the cases involving temples and religious institutions.

’Campaigns against temples’

Referring to what he described as an increase in false allegations and campaigns against Hindu temples in recent times, he said the government should treat the issue with seriousness. The dignity of Hindu religious institutions and the due process of law are not mutually exclusive, and both can be safeguarded through a balanced and judicious investigation, he said.

At the same time, he stressed that the real culprits in the Sabarimala gold theft case must be identified and punished in accordance with the law and called upon the government to take necessary corrective measure.

Responding to a question on the controversy surround the film The Kerala Story, he said that while any wrongful incident, if it occurs, must be condemned, it would be inappropriate to generalise such incidents as widespread. He urged caution against spreading misinformation and said opinions should be formed after a proper understanding of the issue.