The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple has submitted a status report to the Kerala High Court. The court is expected to issue its order later in the day.
According to sources, the report details the alleged involvement of the accused in the removal and transportation of the Dwarapalaka idols and gold-plated copper plates in 2025.
The report also outlines the role of the officials and employees concerned in the case and mentions the expected timeline for filing the final report before the jurisdictional court.
Scientific reports in investigation
As part of the ongoing investigation, the SIT recently recorded statements from officials of the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, which carried out the scientific examination
of samples collected from various artefacts in and around the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple.
Samples from the gold-plated and gold-clad copper plates were sent to the laboratory on March 3. The NML submitted its report on May 29.
According to the SIT, the findings are comprehensive and, when read together with the report submitted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), provide a clear understanding of the method allegedly used in the gold pilferage and how the offence was carried out.
A copy of the NML report has already been submitted before the Kerala High Court.
The High Court observed that the scientific report from the NML would significantly assist in establishing how the alleged gold pilferage at Sannidhanam was executed.
Hundreds of witnesses questioned
The SIT has so far examined at least 408 witnesses and recorded their statements during the course of the investigation.
Investigators have also seized two 1 TB hard disks from the office of the Executive Officer at Sabarimala. These devices contain temple-related records. In addition, officials have seized a separate 2 TB hard disk containing data from 2018-19.
All the digital storage devices have been sent to the Kerala State Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination.
Fresh samples collected from temple
In another recent development, the SIT dismantled the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper door-frame plate of the Sabarimala temple with the assistance of technical experts.
Samples collected from these structures have also been sent for scientific analysis as investigators continue to gather evidence in the case.
The investigation remains focused on establishing the manner in which the alleged theft took place and identifying the role of those involved. The SIT is expected to complete its probe and submit its final report before the jurisdictional court within the timeframe mentioned in the report placed before the Kerala High Court.
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