Sabarimala gold theft: HC nod for fresh testing of temple panels;

The Kerala High Court has ordered a fresh scientific analysis of gold-coated plates at Sabarimala and a vigilance probe into the temple flagstaff reconstruction. The move expands scrutiny in the ongoing Sabarimala gold theft case, with investigators seeking clarity on gold quantity, possible alterations and past project donations.

On Monday, the High Court directed a new scientific examination of gold-coated plates at the Sabarimala temple. The order followed a request from the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

New samples will be collected and sent to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, for detailed analysis. Earlier tests had been carried out by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Its report, submitted before the Kollam Vigilance Court and later reviewed by the High Court, left several questions unresolved.

The court noted that VSSC could not provide clear answers on certain crucial aspects. This prompted the decision for fresh testing at BARC.

The examination aims to determine whether the plates were altered in any way and establish the actual quantity of gold present — key scientific evidence in the investigation.

The court clarified that this is an interim order. It directed the SIT to collect samples once the temple reopens next week for the monthly 'puja (worship)'.

Vigilance probe into 2017 flagstaff reconstruction

Alongside the testing order, the High Court called for a swift vigilance investigation into the 2017 reconstruction of the Sabarimala temple flagstaff (kodimaram).

The project was undertaken during the tenure of the UDF-led Devaswom Board. The Board at the time was headed by late Prayar Gopalakrishnan, a former Congress MLA. Members included his party colleague Ajay Tharayil and CPI(M) leader Raghavan.

The court said ambiguity remains over the gold received as donations for the reconstruction. It stressed that clarity must be established and kept open the possibility of registering a separate case if required.

Earlier developments and ongoing investigation

The flagstaff replacement had already been part of the SIT’s investigation. The case gained momentum after a ceremonial vehicle (vaji vahanam) linked to the old flagstaff was found at the temple Tantri’s residence and later produced before the court.

Officials involved in the replacement process were subsequently questioned.

Previously, the High Court directed that events from 1998 to 2025 be examined in four distinct phases. The old flagstaff was dismantled in 2017 and replaced with a new one. The ceremonial vehicle removed from it was handed over to Tantri Kandarar Rajeevar.

Although the Tantri later indicated willingness to return it following the gold theft controversy, the former Board reportedly declined to take it back.

The matter is scheduled to be heard again on February 19 as investigations continue on multiple fronts.