In a major escalation of the Sabarimala temple scandal, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has informed the court that the alleged theft of gold is far more extensive than initially suspected. The probe has now uncovered evidence that precious metal is missing from several more sacred artefacts within the renowned Kerala shrine.
Beyond the Initial Cases: A Wider Conspiracy Unfolds
The SIT, which is investigating under the directives of the Kerala High Court, had originally registered two cases concerning missing gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the temple's sanctum sanctorum. However, in a recent report submitted to the Vigilance Court in Kollam, the agency stated the scandal's scope is significantly broader.
The report details that gold is also missing from seven copper plates located at the Prabha Mandalam of the temple. This area covers the idols of Siva and the Vyali roopam, a traditional sculpted motif on the sopanam (the steps leading to the inner sanctum).
The Modus Operandi and Key Accused
According to the SIT's findings, the gold was separated from these artefacts using a chemical mixture. This process allegedly took place at Smart Creations, a facility in Chennai. The report further claims that the extracted gold is currently in the possession of Bellary-based jeweller Govardhan Roddam.
In light of these revelations, the SIT has sought custody of three prime accused among the ten individuals already arrested. They are:
- Self-styled sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty
- Jeweller Govardhan Roddam
- Pankaj Bhandari of Smart Creations, Chennai
Scientific Analysis and Political Repercussions
To determine the exact quantity of gold-plating that was originally on the various temple artefacts, the SIT has sought technical assistance from a prestigious scientific body. The agency has requested help from VSSC-Thiruvananthapuram, a centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Scientists from VSSC are expected to collect samples from the gold-covered copper plates for forensic analysis.
The scandal continues to have serious political implications. The SIT has so far arrested ten persons, which includes three CPI(M) leaders, notably former party legislator A Padmakumar. Last week, the probe also reached the doorstep of former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who held the portfolio in 2019 when the alleged thefts occurred. These developments are set to increase pressure on the ruling CPI(M) government in the state.
The issue first came under intense scrutiny in October after the Kerala High Court ordered an extensive probe into alleged malpractices involving the temple's valuables. The court had appointed former judge KT Sankaran to prepare an inventory and directed the temple vigilance officer to investigate. An initial report from the vigilance officer had flagged that the gold covering of the Dwarapalaka idols had been removed without informing the court, setting the stage for the current SIT investigation.
