Sabarimala gold probe: SIT turns to 2025 plating in 2019 heist case

Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold heist has now turned its focus to the removal of gold panel from the Dwarapalaka sculptures of the sanctum sanctorum for gold plating in September 2025. The probe has been intensified following a prior directive from the High Court.

The SIT has already recorded statements from several witnesses and is set to question former board officials and employees in the coming days. Further interrogations will be conducted if required. Investigators note that the 2025 gold plating led to the discovery of the 2019 gold heist.

Meanwhile, the team is awaiting the results of sample tests from the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur, considered crucial to the 2019 case. The results are expected by the end of April.

The SIT aims to gather comprehensive details related to the 2025 gold plating during this period. Its findings, along with the charge sheet in the 2019 case, will be submitted to the High Court.

The gold panel from the Dwarapalaka sculptures on either side of the sanctum sanctorum was removed on 7 September 2025 for gold plating. Notably, this was done without informing the Special Commissioner, a district judge appointed by the High Court. Upon learning of the development, Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan submitted a report to the court. This subsequently brought to light details of the major heist that took place in 2019. At one stage, the High Court questioned whether the 2025 gold plating was carried out to conceal irregularities linked to the earlier theft.

The SIT has also collected information from the current Thiruvabharanam Commissioner regarding the recent gold plating works. Investigators found that the Commissioner had earlier spoken with representatives of Smart Creations in connection with gold plating at the Thiruvalla Sreevallabha Temple, and had reportedly described the firm as lacking professionalism. However, the SIT believes there was pressure to alter this assessment.

Eight days later, the Commissioner submitted a revised report stating that Smart Creations was proficient, raising further suspicion. The alleged involvement of Unnikrishnan Potti, an accused in the 2019 case; Pankaj Bhandari, owner of Smart Creations in Chennai; and Govardhan and Murari Babu, jewellery traders from Bellary, in the 2025 gold plating has added to the seriousness of the investigation.