Thiruvananthapuram, February 20 – BJP leader Sandeep Vachaspati has accused political leaders of orchestrating a “conspiracy” targeting Kantarar Rajeevar, the priest in the Sabarimala gold theft case.
Sandeep Vachaspati is often seen translating the speeches of top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others, when they are visiting the state.
He made this statement in a social media post following the bail granted to the temple's priest on Thursday.
Sandeep Vachaspati's post highlighted that the priest's arrest was unjustified and politically motivated.
"I had pointed out the same issues after visiting the priest's house. Back then, there was an organized attempt to defame me," he wrote.
He alleged that while Devaswom ministers and officials played key roles in the Sabarimala gold robbery, the priest was only bound to follow directives from the Devaswom Board, but was singled out for arrest.
On Thursday, while granting bail to the priest, the court mentioned that there was no evidence against him.
The BJP leader alleged that state ministers Saji Cherian from Chengannur and Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, along with other CPI-M leaders, were diverting attention from the real culprits by unnecessarily implicating the priest.
According to Sandeep Vachaspati, delays in filing charges against those who later secured bail were also part of the effort to shield the actual perpetrators.
Sandeep Vachaspati welcomed the priest's bail on Thursday, describing it as a legal vindication and a setback for those attempting to malign the community and discredit revered Acharyas.
"The conspiracy to insult millions of Ayyappa devotees has been rejected by the court," he said, adding that the BJP would continue its fight to bring to justice the person who stole Ayyappa's wealth, as well as the political leaders who enabled the theft.
Sandeep Vachaspati's post reflects the BJP's continued focus on the case, linking political accountability with the pursuit of justice.
So far, out of the 13 people arrested, six have now secured bail.
