T’puram: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K Jayakumar said there was currently no need to decide on removing Tanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, an accused in the Sabarimala gold scam, from his priest position. Rajeevaru’s term should be allowed to end, and a decision would be made in due course, he said. Jayakumar backed the enforcement directorate’s (ED) investigation into the case. He stated that no matter how significant the financial fraud was, it should be exposed, and the investigation should proceed accordingly. “At present, there is no need to discuss the removal of Rajeevaru. His term should be allowed to end. Until OCT, the responsibilities of the priest are assigned to Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru, and a decision will be made after that,” Jayakumar said. He also mentioned that a report was prepared to bring comprehensive changes at Sabarimala for the upcoming Makaravilakku season. The board decided not to encourage any self-proclaimed sponsors. The TDB president’s response came after the presentation of Vision Sabarimala, which aims for comprehensive changes at Sabarimala. “Vision Sabarimala will bring comprehensive changes to Sabarimala. There will be a dedicated budget for Sabarimala. A pilgrim centre will be established at Pamba. Decisions will need to be made regarding the rotation of priests each season,” said Jayakumar. The use of loudspeakers at Sannidhanam will be regulated. Announcements about missing persons will be made every 30 hours. Notifications will be provided in all languages. Jayakumar also that the revenue for this season was Rs 483 crore. The expenses for this season were not finalized. “An audit will be conducted within 10 days after the Makaravilakku festival. Donations from self-proclaimed sponsors will not be accepted. If necessary, the board will find a sponsor. All transactions will be fully digitalized, and officials will be trained for this purpose. A decision was made to reduce the number of temporary employees,” he said. An investigation will be conducted into the unauthorized film shooting at Sabarimala. The purpose of the shooting will also be examined. Permission for the shoot was not granted, and the footage will be reviewed, Jayakumar added.
