Pathanamthitta , 30 August (H.S.):A scientific examination has confirmed that a chemical known as “stripping salt” was used to remove gold from the Dwarapalaka sculptures and doorframe panels at the Sabarimala temple, strengthening the Special Investigation Team’s case into the alleged gold theft.

The finding is expected to be included in the final chargesheet in the doorframe panel case, which the SIT is likely to submit before the Kerala High Court next week.

Investigators had collected a sample of stripping salt from Smart Creations in Chennai and sent it to a laboratory in Jamshedpur for analysis. The laboratory report has now emerged as crucial evidence in establishing the firm’s alleged role in the removal of gold from the temple artefacts.

The scientific examination also reportedly found that the doorframe panel had not been transferred to any other party. Experts detected changes in the panel’s composition caused by the use of mercury and related chemical solutions during the gold-removal process.

Laboratory officials have appeared before the investigation team and recorded statements explaining the forensic findings. The SIT has also traced the purchase of the chemicals to Mumbai, adding another link to the chain of evidence being assembled in the case.

The investigation has so far recorded statements from 430 witnesses. Experts from the Jamshedpur laboratory and officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board are expected to be cited as prosecution witnesses.

When the matter came up for consideration last month, the High Court directed the SIT to file the chargesheet within one month. The agency has since accelerated the process of compiling forensic findings, witness statements and documentary evidence.

Unnikrishnan Potty has been named as the first accused in both cases registered in connection with the doorframe panel and the Dwarapalaka sculptures. The forensic report is expected to form a part of the prosecution’s case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman