Sabarimala chief priest hospitalised following signs of physical distress

The Kerala Prisons and Correctional Department rushed Sabarimala senior Tantri (chief priest), Kandararu Rajeevaru, to the General Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, on Saturday (January 10, 2026) after he showed signs of physical distress at the Special District Sub Jail, where he is currently under judicial remand following his arrest on Friday (January 9) in connection with the Ayyappa Temple gold theft case. 

According to Special Sub Jail officials, Mr. Rajeevaru showed signs of physical fatigue and sleeplessness in the morning. He also declared a patent lack of appetite and told the warden that he felt faint and dizzy. 

Subsequently, the Prison authorities rushed a medical team to the Sub Jail. After a preliminary examination, the doctors told the warden to escort Mr. Rajeevaru to the General Hospital for further checks. 

Officials said Mr Rajeevaru stated that he did not require a wheelchair or gurney and walked into the General Hospital casualty from a government vehicle under heavy police escort. After a preliminary examination, doctors recommended an ECG test for Mr Rajeevaru. They also reviewed his current medication. 

An array of television cameras and journalists staked out in front of the General Hospital in anticipation of Mr Rajeeveru’s arrival. He sported a saffron shirt and dhoti, which he wore at the time of his arrest and later at his production before the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge, Vigilance, in Kollam late Friday (January 9)a.