SIT Submits Crucial Report in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case; Chargesheet Likely to Be Expanded as 2019 negligence Repeated in 2025
June 18, KOCHI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has submitted its latest investigation progress report to the Kerala High Court, where the matter is currently under consideration.
SIT chief and Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan appeared before the court and presented the report. The submission also includes details of samples collected from the Prabhamandalam for forensic examination.
As part of the investigation, the SIT dismantled and inspected the Prabhamandalam—an arch-shaped, gold-plated structure featuring a carved image of Goddess Lakshmi above the shrine’s doorway—as well as the door frames on the northern side of the sanctum. The examination was conducted in the presence of Devaswom Thiruvabharanam Commissioner R. Rejilal.
The inspection took place in a room adjacent to the office of the Sabarimala Executive Officer and was aimed at determining the quantity of gold allegedly lost from the shrine. After the Prabhamandalam, which had been blackened by years of camphor smoke, was weighed and examined, it was cleaned and reinstalled in accordance with the directions of Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The SIT has also submitted a sealed report identifying the laboratory where samples collected from the door frames near the Prabhamandalam should be sent for scientific analysis.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
In a significant finding, the SIT reportedly noted that lapses similar to those identified in 2019 were repeated by the Travancore Devaswom Board in 2025. According to the report, administrative shortcomings occurred under the board headed by President P. S. Prashant.
The report further points to procedural lapses in the removal and transportation of gold plates from Sannidhanam. The SIT observed that the gold-plated sheets were allegedly taken away without obtaining prior permission from the Kerala High Court. The issue had earlier been brought to public attention through media reports.
With no material evidence recovered so far, forensic findings are expected to play a crucial role in the court’s assessment of the case. The High Court will determine the extent of the gold loss at Sabarimala after reviewing the SIT final report.
The Kerala High Court has posted the case to June 29 for further consideration. During Thursday's hearing, the court directed the SIT to submit a comprehensive report along with a clear timeline for filing its final report before the jurisdictional court. The SIT informed the bench that the investigation has reached its final stages and that aspects relating to criminal conspiracy and the involvement of additional accused persons are still under examination.