Thiruvananthapuram, 04 September (H.S.):The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged loss of gold from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple is expected to file its final report in the doorframe case before the jurisdictional court by September 25, even as the Kerala High Court directed investigators to expedite the related Dwarapalaka panel probe.

The High Court is monitoring the investigation through a suo motu case concerning allegations of theft and removal of gold from the temple's doorframes and the gold-clad Dwarapalaka panels installed on either side of the Sreekovil.

SIT chief Sasidharan, IPS, informed the court that the investigation into the doorframe case was almost complete and that the remaining formalities would be finished before the final report was submitted.

The stripping salt and cleaning salt allegedly used during work on the gold-clad structures have been sent to the National Metallurgical Laboratory for scientific examination. The laboratory results are expected within two weeks and could provide crucial evidence in determining the nature and extent of the alleged gold loss.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar observed that the investigation had made substantial progress and directed the SIT to complete the remaining steps without unnecessary delay.

The related Dwarapalaka case concerns the removal of the gold-clad panels from Sabarimala and their transportation to Smart Creations in Chennai in 2019, purportedly for repair work. Investigators have alleged that the original gold layers were removed and replaced with thin electroplating.

Meanwhile, the Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board president P.S. Prasanth, who had been arrested in connection with the Dwarapalaka case. The court considered his medical condition while granting bail.

The High Court will consider the matter again on October 7.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman