Pathanamthitta, Kerala: A crucial breakthrough is expected next week in the alleged 2019 gold theft case at the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala Temple, as forensic test results may reveal whether the original copper plates installed during the 1998 gold-plating work were replaced.

Sources said age-determination analysis of samples collected from the temple sanctum has been completed at the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur. The findings are expected to be handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) next week.

The scientific examination is aimed at determining whether the copper plates used during the gold-plating work carried out in 1998, sponsored by businessman Vijay Mallya, are still present at Sannidhanam.

If the copper plates are found to be around 28 years old, investigators believe it would confirm that the plates were not replaced in 2019.

However, if the plates are determined to be only around seven years old, it would strongly indicate that the gold plating and copper sheets were removed and replaced during the alleged 2019 theft.

The officials believe such a finding would allow them to proceed with filing a chargesheet without waiting for recovery of the missing gold, as the laboratory report itself could serve as crucial evidence confirming the theft.

Officials are also examining the possibility that the gold alone may have been stolen in 2019 without replacing the underlying plates. To verify this, samples were collected from portions where no theft is suspected and compared with samples from areas under suspicion.

If tests show that gold from unaffected sections dates back 28 years while gold from suspected sections is only around seven years old, investigators say it would strongly establish that a theft had taken place.

The authorities believe scientific evidence from the laboratory would make it difficult for the accused to challenge the findings if the alleged theft is confirmed.

Investigators are also expected to receive details regarding the quantity of gold present on the plates before and after 2019.

In February, officials collected 12 samples from two Dwarapalaka sculptures located in front of the sanctum sanctorum for examination. Another sample was taken from the temple doorframe.

Additional samples were collected from pillars situated on the southern and northern sides of the sanctum, including one from the northwestern pillar.