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Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe: High Court Greenlights Forensic Disassembly of Temple Fixtures
In a significant legal development regarding the high-profile investigation into the alleged misappropriation of gold at the Sabarimala Sreekovil, the has empowered the to proceed with the forensic dismantling of critical temple artefacts. The division bench, comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar , issued the order to ensure that the ongoing investigation—which has seen the examination of over 400 witnesses—reaches a definitive and scientifically sound conclusion.
The Backdrop: A Trail of Pilfered Gold The case, initiated by the Court following reports of gold theft from the gold-cladded Dwarapalakas at the Sabarimala temple, has become a litmus test for the accountability of temple management authorities. The SIT reports indicate that the misappropriation involved sophisticated methods, including the use of "stripping salt"—a chemical agent allegedly used by the Chennai-based entity Smart Creations to extract gold cladding from temple fixtures in 2019.
The investigation has relied heavily on technical expertise. Scientific analysis from the in Jamshedpur and data from the have been pivotal in piecing together the methodology used to commit the offense.
Scientific Determination as a Legal Necessity Previously, physical examination of certain fixtures, such as the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame, proved difficult due to logistical hurdles and resistance from artisans. However, the Court underscored that determining the actual weight of the gold is an indispensable step toward establishing culpability.
By granting permission for the controlled dismantling of these delicate artefacts, the Court has cleared the path for the SIT to collect samples that will, once analyzed by the NML, determine the exact quantity of gold lost to the pilferage.
Key Observations from the Bench The Court emphasized that the recent scientific reports are vital to the case:
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"We have carefully gone through the comprehensive report submitted by the NML and find that it would go a long way in identifying the manner in which the pilferage of gold was carried out at Sannidhanam."
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"Accordingly, we grant permission to the Special Investigation Team to dismantle the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate, collect samples therefrom with the assistance of experts, and forward the same to the laboratory for analysis, so that the truth of the matter may be fully and conclusively ascertained."
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"The progress report contains a detailed narration of the events commencing from and culminating in the transportation of the Dwarapalaka idol plates."
Towards the Final Stage The SIT informed the bench that the investigation into the 2025 incidents is nearing its conclusion. With the examination of 408 witnesses recorded and critical digital storage devices—including hard disks from the Sabarimala Executive Officer's office—sent for forensic review, the SIT expressed that a final report is imminent.
Additionally, the Court allowed for the administrative adjustment of the SIT team, permitting Inspector of Police Anish P.B. to be relieved from his investigative duties following his selection for a position at the .
As the matter returns to the docket on , all eyes remain on the SIT to see if the final report will successfully translate these forensic findings into legal accountability for those involved in the plundering of the sacred shrine's assets.
