Pathanamthitta, 14 June (H.S):A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged gold theft at the Sabarimala temple has arrived at the hill shrine to conduct a fresh round of inspections as part of its ongoing investigation. The examination will commence after the temple opens for the Malayalam month of Mithunam rituals and has been undertaken with special permission from the Kerala High Court.

The latest inspection is aimed at gathering crucial evidence before the SIT submits its final report to the court. Investigators will dismantle and examine sections of the Prabhamandalam (ornamental aureole behind the deity), the Kattilappali (decorative door panels), and portions beneath the structure. Samples will also be collected from the lower sections of the panels for forensic analysis.

An earlier inspection carried out in April could not cover these areas due to logistical constraints and the absence of necessary facilities within the sanctum precincts. However, investigators later received indications that gold may have been removed from parts of the Prabhamandalam, prompting the need for a more detailed examination.

Given the religious significance of the structure, officials have been instructed to complete the inspection and reinstall the Prabhamandalam before the temple closes. The SIT hopes to finish the exercise within two days and submit its findings to the court at the earliest.

According to the investigation team, gold was allegedly stripped from several decorative components, including portions of the Prabhamandalam featuring Shiva and mythical Vyali motifs, as well as ornamental panels mounted above the temple doors. The SIT has identified seven panels from which gold is suspected to have been removed. These include two panels depicting the Dashavatara, two panels engraved with zodiac symbols, and other decorative plates forming part of the shrine’s embellishments.

Investigators believe the gold extracted from these components was transported along with other materials to a private facility, Smart Creations, in Chennai, where it was allegedly separated and processed. Earlier, substantial portions of the door panels and Dwarapalaka sculptures were cut and sent to a laboratory in Jamshedpur for scientific examination.

Officials say the results of the ongoing inspection and forensic analysis will be critical in finalising the charge sheet in the high-profile case.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman