SIT to Conduct Scientific Tests at Sabarimala on November 17 in Missing Gold Probe
Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Crime Branch will carry out scientific tests at the Sabarimala temple on November 17 as part of its ongoing investigation into the missing gold case. The Kerala High Court granted permission on Thursday for the team to collect samples from the gold-plated panels of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the sanctum sanctorum.
The SIT had earlier approached the Thantri (chief priest) seeking approval to collect these samples, as directed by the court. The chief priest informed officials that, according to temple customs, Deva Anujna (divine permission) from the deity must be obtained before any scientific activity is conducted near the sanctum.
Following the granting of Deva Anujna on November 17, the tests will be carried out after Ucha Pooja, when the temple closes at 1 pm.
Earlier this month, the SIT sought court approval to examine the Dwarapalaka idols to assess the extent of gold loss reported in 2019. The High Court later instructed the team to:
Weigh the Dwarapalaka idol plates and the side pillar plates
Collect samples of the gold cladding to check purity and thickness
Measure the surface area of the plates
Collect copper samples from the plates and door frames
The samples are to undergo detailed scientific analyses, including:
Electrical conductivity tests
Spectroscopic examinations
Microstructure studies
The court had initially directed the SIT to complete the tests by November 15. However, after the Thantri reported the need for Deva Anujna, a division bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar permitted the examinations to be conducted on November 17 instead.