ED Files Money Laundering Case in Sabarimala Gold Theft; Chief Priest Among 11 Arrested

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case in the Sabarimala gold theft incident.
• The case was filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a police FIR.
• The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested 11 individuals, including chief priest Kandararu Rajeevaru.
• Chief priest Rajeevaru was arrested due to his alleged links with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty and his role in recommending controversial gold replating.
• Activist Rahul Easwar defended Rajeevaru, stating the chief priest has no administrative responsibility and has never been involved in controversy.

Why It Matters: ED launches money laundering probe in Sabarimala gold theft, arresting chief priest and 10 others.