Chemical analysis exposes ‘systematic’ modus operandi in gold case
The chemical analysis of gold-clad sheets at the Sabarimala temple by scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has confirmed a “systematic and methodical” process of gold tampering and substitution, the Kerala High Court said on Monday.
A bench comprising Justices Raja Vijaraghavan V and K.V. Jayakumar, in an interim order, underlined that the apprehensions earlier expressed by the court about misappropriation and pilferage of gold assets from the temple “stand prima facie reinforced.”
The court made these observations after examining the technical report submitted by VSSC and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case. Gold panelling was allegedly misappropriated from the sheets and door frames in 2019 when they were removed from the temple under the guise of renovation and replating. So far, 11 persons, including senior Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials and political leaders, have been arrested in connection with the matter.
For the purpose of chemical analysis to determine the quantity of gold stolen, the SIT collected samples from various gold plates on November 17 and 18, 2025, and forwarded them to VSSC. The analysis sought to ascertain the precise quantity of gold cladded in 1998 during a donation by the Vijay Mallya-led UB Group, the quantity of gold used for subsequent plating in 2019, and whether the original gold-clad plates were removed and substituted with freshly painted components.
After reviewing the VSSC report, the High Court bench stated, “The absence of nickel and acrylic polymer layers in the original gold-clad plates, the presence of nickel, the absence of mercury, and the presence of acrylic polymer layers in the subsequently plated copper plates, together with the comparative thickness of gold and nickel layers, clearly indicate a systematic and methodical process by which the alleged offence appears to have been executed.”
“These analysis reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of the alleged tampering and substitution, but also provide critical evidentiary pointers for correlating past transactions with subsequent activities,” the court added.
The analysis report assumes a central role in the investigation as it provides a scientific basis for evaluating transactions carried out in 2024 and 2025 and for examining the existence of any organised or concerted action amounting to criminal conspiracy.
“What initially appeared to be routine administrative actions undertaken in purported good faith and in the ostensible interest of the deity has, upon closer scrutiny, opened a Pandora’s box and revealed prima facie indicators of organised pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables, allegedly facilitated with the active connivance and encouragement of individuals entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the assets and valuables of the deity,” the court observed.
The High Court directed the SIT to record detailed statements from scientific experts and technical personnel at VSSC. The SIT also informed the court about the possible involvement of three more persons in one case and two additional suspects in the second case.