Sabarimala gold loss case: Tantri's statement recorded by SIT
Pathanamthitta (Kerala) (PTI): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the gold loss from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple has recorded the statement of Tantri Mahesh Mohanararu, officials said on Sunday.
Police sources said Mohanararu' statement was recorded a few weeks ago as part of the probe into the permission allegedly granted to prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty to take gold-clad plates of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil in 2019.
Mohanararu is currently serving as the Tantri (chief priest) at Sabarimala. He was employed in the temple in 2019.
According to SIT sources, the deity's properties can be removed from the temple premises only after obtaining Deva Anujna (divine permission).
Similarly, the Travancore Devaswom Board has to seek the Tantri's permission whenever any repair works are to be carried out at the hill shrine.
The Tantri was questioned about these procedures regarding the removal of the gold-clad plates and their transportation outside the temple by Potty, an official said.
The SIT also examined Potty's frequent visits to the temple posing as a sponsor and his alleged links with the Tantri.
Additionally, the team sought clarification on Mohanararu's visit to Ballari-based gold trader Govardhan, a close associate of Potty, the source said.
Earlier, the SIT had questioned other Tantris--Kandararu Mohanararu and Kandararu Rajeevararu.
So far, six people, including two former TDB presidents, have been arrested in two cases related to the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka plates and the Sreekovil door frames.
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Ahead of good Friday, SWR announces special train between Yesvantpur-Kannur via Mangaluru
Bengaluru: Ahead of the upcoming Good Friday festival weekend, the South Western Railway has announced a one-trip special train service between Yesvantpur Junction and Kannur via Mangaluru Junction.
According to an official released from the SWR, Train Number 06551 Yesvantpur–Kannur Express Special will depart Yesvantpur at 11.50 am on April 2 and is scheduled to arrive Kannur at 3.00 am on April 3.
In the return direction, Train Number 06552 Kannur–Yesvantpur Express Special will leave Kannur at 8.45 am on April 3 and reach Yesvantpur at 9.30 pm the same day.
The special train will halt at Kunigal, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Sakleshpura, Subrahmanya Road, Kabaka Puttur, Bantawala, Mangaluru Junction, Kasaragod, Kanhangad and Payyannur.
The train composition will have two AC two-tier coaches, six AC three-tier coaches, seven sleeper class coaches, four general second class coaches.
