Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court on Thursday arrested Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru in a second case linked to the Sabarimala gold theft investigation. The arrest followed approval from the vigilance court, marking a fresh escalation in the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities associated with the temple.

The SIT has already filed two separate charge sheets in the case, naming 15 individuals as accused. Rajeevaru was arrested last week in one of the cases registered by the probe team.

According to the SIT, the second case pertains to an alleged conspiracy and fraud involving the preparation of a fabricated mahazar, in which gold was reportedly shown as copper. The case also includes allegations of illegal transportation of wooden planks linked to temple works.

Meanwhile, the vigilance court has deferred the hearing on the tantri’s bail application to January 19.