Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 9 -- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple has taken the temple's Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru, into custody for intensive questioning.
The development marks a decisive phase in the high-profile investigation that has drawn statewide attention following serious allegations of gold loss from the shrine.
The senior priest was taken to the SIT office in Kochi, where investigators are questioning him on matters related to the removal, certification, and handling of gold items during the controversial gold-plating works carried out at the temple.
Officials said the custodial questioning became necessary after inconsistenc...