Thiruvananthapuram, 18 June (H.S.): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case has submitted a detailed progress report to the Kerala High Court, highlighting serious administrative lapses and placing significant emphasis on scientific evidence collected during the investigation.

According to information contained in the report, the SIT has pointed to failures in the handling and transportation of gold-plated components from the Sannidhanam, the temple’s sanctum precincts. The investigators have reportedly observed that shortcomings similar to those identified in 2019 were repeated in 2025, raising concerns over the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within the Travancore Devaswom Board’s administration.

The report is also understood to indicate that administrative deficiencies were evident during the tenure of the board headed by former president P.S. Prashanth. Investigators are examining whether these lapses contributed to the disappearance of gold allegedly used in temple structures.

A crucial aspect of the investigation relates to scientific examinations carried out by the SIT. In the presence of the Devaswom Thiruvabharana Commissioner, investigators dismantled and inspected portions of the gold-plated Prabhamandalam—the arch-shaped ornamental structure engraved with the image of Goddess Lakshmi and installed above the sanctum entrance—as well as wooden panels located on the northern side of the sanctum.

Samples collected from the Prabhamandalam and nearby wooden planks have been treated as key evidence in determining the quantity of gold that may have gone missing. The SIT has informed the court that these samples have been secured for detailed scientific analysis.

The agency has also submitted, in a sealed cover, a separate report specifying the laboratory where the samples should be sent for examination. The findings of these scientific tests are expected to play a decisive role in establishing the extent of the alleged loss and identifying any discrepancies in the gold plating.

The High Court is closely monitoring the investigation, with the scientific analysis likely to provide crucial evidence in unraveling one of the most sensitive controversies involving the management of assets at the famed Sabarimala temple.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman