Kochi, 19 Jan (H.S.): In a significant development in the long-running Sabarimala gold theft case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to submit a crucial progress report to the Kerala High Court today. The report will include the findings of a detailed scientific examination of gold-plated panels, including the Dwarapalaka (door guardian) sculptures, conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

According to sources associated with the investigation, the forensic analysis confirms that gold was siphoned off from sacred structures at the Sabarimala temple. The VSSC report reportedly establishes a noticeable reduction in gold content in the kattilappaalam panels and the Dwarapalaka sculptures that were removed and later reinstalled after renovation works. These materials were handled by Unnikrishnan Potti and his team.

A key question addressed in the scientific report is whether the panels reinstalled after the work were original or substituted. The findings are expected to provide a decisive answer, with investigators maintaining that the evidence strengthens the suspicion that original gold-plated components were tampered with, resulting in a substantial loss of precious metal.

The SIT will also inform the High Court about follow-up actions initiated after the arrest of the Thantri (chief priest) and Shankardas. Further procedural and investigative steps, including custodial measures, are likely to be placed before the court as the probe enters a crucial phase.

The High Court is also expected to consider the SIT’s findings on alleged irregularities in the transfer of a Vazhi (pathway) vehicle. The SIT has concluded that the transfer violated a 2012 Devaswom Board order. Ajay Tharayil and others are under investigation in this connection.

However, documents that surfaced recently claim that the vehicle transfer was carried out with the knowledge of the Advocate Commissioner and the High Court, adding a fresh layer of legal complexity. The SIT is expected to clarify these contradictions and seek further directions from the court.

Today’s submission is viewed as a turning point in the investigation, as the High Court examines scientific evidence alongside administrative records to decide the future course of action in one of Kerala’s most sensitive temple-related cases.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman