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Sabarimala Gold Heist Probe Gets Breathing Room: Kerala HC Pushes Deadline as Lab Tests Loom
In a closely watched development at one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites, the on , extended the deadline for the probing the alleged theft of gold from the gold-clad Dwarapalaka idols flanking the Sreekovil at Sabarimala temple. A division bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar reviewed a progress report from SIT Investigating Officer S. Sasidharan, IPS , expressing satisfaction with the probe's pace while acknowledging the need for critical scientific evidence.
The
(
) names the
and the
among respondents, stemming from concerns over the
"heist and plundering of gold"
from these sacred guardian idols.
From Pilgrim Offerings to Plundered Idols: The Theft Unravels
Sabarimala, drawing millions of devotees annually, became the epicenter of outrage in 2025 when suspicions arose over the gold plating on the Dwarapalaka idols. Crime Nos. 3700/CB/CU-IV/TVPM/D/2025 and 3701/CB/CU-IV/TVPM/D/2025 were registered, prompting the court to initiate a suo motu petition based on an order in . The core questions: Was gold pilfered during recent renovations? Who was responsible for any shortfall in the 2025 gold plating? And were there links to past temple projects?
The SIT, comprising experts from the
,
,
, and IT firm
"
,"
sprang into action. Samples from untouched pillar plates, gold-plated side pillars, and idol plates were collected on
, and dispatched to the
in Jamshedpur.
SIT's Trailblazing Trek: 358 Witnesses, Multi-State Hunt
No formal arguments from adversarial parties dominated this hearing, as the court focused on the SIT's status update. The team has grilled 358 witnesses across Kerala, Karnataka (Mahalakshmi Layout Temple, Mundoti Palayam Temple, Sreeramapuram Temple, Gauribidanur, Bellari, Hongasandra, Vyalikaval), and Andhra Pradesh (Madanapally, Ananthapur). An additional 20 witnesses tied to the 2025 gold plating were examined in depth.
The SIT emphasized that without the NML's chemical analysis—delayed until due to "intricate and specialised procedures"—a conclusive report remains elusive. Earlier, the court had set , as the probe's end date, but extended it given these constraints.
Separately, a parallel thread emerged: a 2017 temple flag mast renovation. Court-directed
by the
uncovered a discrepancy—412.010 grams of gold recorded from devotees versus 300 grams verified through direct contacts. Yet, VACB found
"no material to suggest any
or
."
Court's Calculus: Patience for Precision, Closure on Flag Mast
The bench dissected the SIT report, noting the multi-agency sample collection aligned with prior directives ( orders). It lauded the "expeditious and meticulous" approach, particularly on the 2025 plating probe.
On the flag mast, the court meticulously reviewed VACB's findings, verifying , donor statements, and records. Satisfied with the "detailed and meticulous enquiry," it accepted the report, allowing VACB to close proceedings.
No precedents were cited, as this monitoring writ emphasized procedural oversight rather than doctrinal innovation.
Key Observations
"Unless the laboratory report from the, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand is received, it would not be possible for the SIT to submit a final and conclusive report."
"Having gone through the report, we are satisfied that the investigation is proceeding in a proper and systematic manner."
"On the basis of theand the documentary as well as oral evidence collected, it has been concluded that there is no material to suggest anyor..."
"Let the case be posted on."
Verdict Echoes Through the Hills: Probe Continues, One Probe Closes
The court granted the SIT until the next hearing on , to wrap up post-lab report. This buys time for precision in a case blending faith, forensics, and fiduciary duty.
For devotees and the TDB, it signals judicial vigilance without premature closure. The flag mast clearance quells a side allegation, refocusing on the Dwarapalaka core. Future temple administrations may now prioritize verifiable records, while this could set a template for lab-dependent sacred asset probes—ensuring science safeguards sanctity.
