Sabarimala gold theft probe: SIT to brief Kerala HC on crucial quantification report on Monday

Kollam(Kerala): A report analysing the gold on copper claddings of various artefacts and door frames at the Lord Ayyappa temple has been submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), sources said on Saturday. The scientific study was ordered by the Kerala High Court amid ongoing investigations into the Sabarimala gold loss cases.

VSSC prepares report under court order

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) prepared the report, which was submitted to the vigilance court in a sealed cover. It was subsequently handed over to the SIT on Friday, according to sources.

The SIT is expected to update the Kerala High Court on Monday regarding the findings, after which further investigative steps will be determined.

Purpose of gold analysis

The High Court had permitted the SIT to conduct a scientific comparison of the gold on the copper cladding. The objective is to examine the nature of the gold on the plates before and after their restoration in 2019 by the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty.

The analysis aims to establish discrepancies, if any, in the gold content during the restoration process. It could reveal whether the gold layer was removed, replaced with copper, or tampered with in any way. The report is expected to be a key element in the ongoing Sabarimala gold investigation.

SIT probe and arrests

The SIT is investigating the loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames at the Lord Ayyappa temple.

So far, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the cases, including the prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty and two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).