Thiruvananthapuram, 30 May (H.S.): In a significant development in the high-profile Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has received a crucial forensic report confirming that the temple’s original metal panels were not replaced and that only the gold-plated coating had been removed during the alleged theft.

The findings are based on the examination of eight samples sent to a forensic laboratory in Jamshedpur nearly four months ago. The samples were collected from the temple’s door guardian (Dwarapalaka) sculptures and the metal cladding panels surrounding the sanctum area. The report has now been submitted before a court in Kollam as part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the forensic analysis, the copper panels beneath the gold coating remain original and have not been tampered with or substituted. Investigators had sought scientific evidence to determine whether the panels had been replaced and to establish the quantity of gold present on the surfaces. The latest report concludes that only the gold plating was removed, while the underlying structural panels remained intact.

The examination also assessed factors such as age and material composition. Scientists found that the copper sheets used in the cladding are approximately 28 years old, further supporting the conclusion that the original panels were not replaced at any stage.

The latest forensic study was ordered after an earlier examination conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) failed to provide conclusive answers regarding the alleged theft and the condition of the panels. Investigators subsequently opted for a more detailed analysis at the Jamshedpur laboratory to obtain definitive scientific evidence.

With the forensic findings now available, the SIT is expected to move forward with the prosecution process. Officials said charge sheets in the case are likely to be filed shortly, marking a major step towards concluding one of Kerala’s most closely watched temple-related investigations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman