The Kerala High Court made a significant statement on Monday. It said that chemical analysis reports of gold samples from Sabarimala temple items confirm tampering and substitution. The court noted that its earlier apprehensions now stand prima facie reinforced.
Court's Observations on the Gold Scandal
A special investigation team formed on court orders is probing serious allegations. The main accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, allegedly took already gold-clad items from the Sabarimala temple for another round of gold-plating. When these items returned, existing gold was missing from them.
The Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar examined the analysis reports carefully. They stated that these reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of alleged tampering and substitution. They also provide critical pointers for correlating past transactions with subsequent activities.
Scientific Findings Point to Organized Pilferage
The court called for a deeper probe in light of scientific findings and fresh revelations. It observed that what initially appeared as routine administrative actions has revealed something more troubling. Upon closer scrutiny, indicators of organized pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables have emerged.
The court specifically mentioned that this alleged pilferage appears facilitated with active connivance. Individuals entrusted with safeguarding temple assets and valuables may have encouraged these activities.
Detailed Chemical Analysis Conducted
The SIT collected samples from various gold plates for analysis. These samples underwent examination at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The aim was to ascertain specific details about the gold used on temple items.
Investigators wanted to determine the quantum of gold applied in 1998 during initial gold-plating. They also examined the quantity of gold used for subsequent plating in 2019. A key question was whether original gold-clad plates were removed and substituted with freshly plated components.
Scientific tests also verified whether copper plates were swapped or tampered with during this process.
VSSC Report Reveals Systematic Process
The court referred directly to the VSSC report findings. It highlighted several crucial differences between original and subsequently plated items.
Original gold-clad plates showed absence of nickel and acrylic polymer layers. In contrast, subsequently plated copper plates contained nickel but lacked mercury. These plates also showed presence of acrylic polymer layers.
The comparative thickness of gold and nickel layers provided additional evidence. Together, these findings indicate a systematic and methodical process. The alleged offence appears to have been executed through this detailed procedure.
Investigation Progress and Future Hearings
The SIT has made substantial progress in its investigation. Authorities have arrested eleven persons so far in two cases connected to the gold theft scandal.
Investigators continue to examine possible involvement of additional individuals. The roles of three more persons are under scrutiny in one case. Two others face probe in the second case as the investigation expands.
The Kerala High Court will hear this matter again on February 2. The next hearing will likely address further developments in this ongoing investigation.
