Sabarimala row deepens: Crucial mismatch between old and current gold-plated panels detected

Pathanamthitta: The Devaswom Vigilance has concluded that the current gold-plated panels on the Sabarimala sanctum differ from the original ones. This finding is based on a comparison with photographs of the panels that existed prior to 2019. Experts, after closely analysing the images, concluded that the old and current panels are not the same. The Vigilance may request the High Court to allow expert forensic tests to determine the age of the gold panels.

The investigation supports the claim that there was tampering with the gold plating on the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures after Unnikrishnan Potti removed the panels in July 2019. The gold panels sent back to Sabarimala in 2025 were compared against those from 2019, and differences were confirmed. The newly replaced panels will be installed after purification rituals when the temple reopened following the Thulam month pujas.

Vigilance has now found, using photographic evidence, that the panel currently at the sanctum is not the one that had been gold-plated with Vijay Mallya’s donated gold in 2019. If that is the case, it suggests the panels plated with Mallya's gold have gone missing. A goldsmith consulted during the inquiry also reached the same conclusion.

However, for an authoritative verdict, more specialised testing is required. The Devaswom Vigilance is likely to approach the High Court to seek permission for such tests. They may also request age analysis of the currently stored gold panels at Sabarimala.