The Kerala High Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) an additional two weeks to conclude its probe into the alleged gold heist at the Sabarimala temple. This decision came after the court was informed that the detailed analysis report from the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur is expected within the next 10 days.
Court Proceedings
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar adjourned the suo motu case, initiated based on a report from the Sabarimala special commissioner regarding the alleged gold heist, to June 8. The case pertains to allegations that gold was misappropriated from the gold-clad copper coverings of the dwarapalaka idols on either side of the Sreekovil and the side frames of the Sreekovil doors.
Metallurgical Analysis
Earlier, the SIT had submitted 36 samples of the plates to the NML for analysis to assess the quantity of gold allegedly lost. During Monday's hearing, Investigating Officer S Sasidharan appeared in person and submitted a detailed report on the investigation's current stage. He stated that the tests being conducted 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, and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to analyze alloy composition and metallurgical uniformity. These highly specialized tests require considerable time for completion.
The investigating officer emphasized that only upon receiving the NML report will the agency be able to conclusively ascertain the exact nature and extent of the gold plating on the gold-clad plates, the quantity of gold involved, whether any substitution or swapping of copper plates had occurred, and other related matters. Based on this submission, the High Court granted additional time to the SIT.
Investigation Progress
The progress report further stated that 391 witnesses have been questioned and their statements recorded. As part of the probe, the SIT conducted detailed inquiries and inspections at several locations: Smart Creations in Ambattur (Chennai), Sreeramapura Temple in Bengaluru, Mahalakshmi Layout Temple in Bengaluru, Jalahalli Temple in Bengaluru, and Aadisankaracharya Sannidhi Temple in Sringeri. Additionally, analysis of digital records and mobile phones seized in connection with the investigation is currently in progress.
