Kerala High Court Grants Permission for Advanced Forensic Examination in Sabarimala Gold Heist Case
The Kerala High Court has issued a significant order allowing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to collect fresh samples from the Sabarimala temple premises for a comprehensive metallurgical examination. This development comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged gold heist at the sacred shrine.
Court Order Details and Sampling Conditions
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar passed the order on Monday, permitting the SIT to collect samples from the gold-clad doors of the sreekovil and stored plates under strictly controlled and documented conditions. The sampling is scheduled for February 12, with the court adjourning the matter to February 19 for the SIT to report on sample collection adequacy and testing institution details.
The court noted that earlier SIT reports indicated the original gold cladding had been removed and replaced with fresh surface plating of lesser thickness. This revelation has prompted the need for advanced scientific analysis to establish with precision the extent of material alteration, nature of metallurgical manipulation, and the exact quantum of gold originally present versus what has been depleted.
Advanced Testing Methods Required
The SIT, headed by ADGP Law and Order and Crimes H Venkatesh, sought permission to conduct sophisticated metallurgical examinations that go beyond conventional forensic capabilities. The requested tests include:
- X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) to determine surface elemental composition
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for ultra-trace impurity and elemental profiling
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to analyze alloy composition and metallurgical uniformity
It was submitted that none of the forensic laboratories in Kerala, including the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, possess the necessary equipment to conduct these specialized tests. The investigation team indicated that institutions such as the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai, the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur, and the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory in Hyderabad would be required to undertake this advanced examination.
Investigation Progress and Witness Accounts
During Monday's hearing, Venkatesh and investigating officer S Sasidharan provided updates on the investigation's progress. They revealed that statements from 262 witnesses have been recorded, demonstrating the extensive scope of the probe.
The investigation encompasses two primary cases:
- Alleged misappropriation of gold cladding from copper plates of dwarapalaka idols: The role of four remaining accused has been verified, with involvement confirmed for two individuals.
- Alleged theft of gold from other sacred temple valuables: The role of two remaining accused has been verified, with involvement confirmed for one individual.
Additionally, steps are being taken to obtain call data records of some accused persons for the year 2019, with service providers already contacted for this crucial digital evidence.
This court-sanctioned forensic examination represents a critical phase in the Sabarimala gold heist investigation, potentially providing scientific evidence that could determine the exact magnitude of the alleged theft and identify those responsible for the temple security breach.
