Breakthrough in Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation
The Kerala High Court has granted significant permission to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the notorious Sabarimala gold heist case. In a crucial development earlier this month, the court authorized investigators to conduct scientific tests on the temple's Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols to determine the precise extent of gold loss that occurred in 2019.
Scientific Examination of Temple Idols
The SIT had formally approached the court seeking permission to conduct detailed scientific examinations of the sacred Dwarapalaka idols. These tests are considered vital for establishing exactly how much gold was stolen from the famous Sabarimala temple during the 2019 incident that shocked devotees across India.
The investigation focuses on determining the actual quantity of gold plating that was removed from the guardian deity statues, which has been a challenging aspect of the case since the theft was first reported. The scientific methods approved by the court will provide concrete evidence about the scale of the theft that has remained somewhat ambiguous until now.
Background of the 2019 Gold Theft
The Sabarimala gold heist case dates back to 2019 when authorities discovered that precious gold plating had been systematically stripped from the temple's Dwarapalaka idols. The discovery sent shockwaves through the religious community and prompted immediate investigation efforts.
The case has been under active investigation since its discovery six years ago, with the SIT making consistent efforts to uncover the truth behind the theft. The recent court permission, granted in November 2025, represents a major step forward in resolving the long-pending investigation.
The temple authorities had reported substantial gold loss, but quantifying the exact amount has proven difficult without sophisticated scientific testing. The court's approval now enables investigators to use advanced forensic techniques to establish definitive evidence about the theft's magnitude.
Investigation Moves Forward
With the Kerala High Court's green signal, the SIT can now proceed with comprehensive scientific analysis of the idols. This development is expected to provide crucial evidence that could lead to breakthroughs in identifying the perpetrators and recovering the stolen gold.
The November 13, 2025 court decision marks a pivotal moment in the six-year investigation, offering hope that justice will eventually be served in this sensitive case involving one of Kerala's most revered pilgrimage sites. The scientific tests will help establish whether the gold was removed in a single incident or through multiple thefts over time.
Devotees and temple authorities have been eagerly awaiting progress in this case, which has drawn significant public attention due to Sabarimala's importance as a major Hindu pilgrimage destination. The court's decision demonstrates the ongoing commitment to resolving this high-profile temple theft.
