Overview
- The SIT arrested tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru after questioning, citing statements from prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti and ex-TDB president Padmakumar and his approval for replating key temple plates.
- The Kerala High Court has recorded a finding of premeditated misappropriation and is overseeing an SIT that has filed two charge sheets naming about 15 accused.
- ED’s Kochi unit registered an ECIR under the PMLA, consolidating the state cases to enable asset tracing and potential attachment linked to alleged proceeds of crime.
- Investigators plan to scrutinise the financial dealings of Potti, jewellery owner Govardhan and Pankaj Bhandari as part of the money-laundering probe.
- Political criticism persists as former LoP Ramesh Chennithala questions the SIT’s credibility, says the missing gold remains unrecovered and seeks a court‑monitored CBI investigation.