SIT to Inspect Andhra Pradesh Temples in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case; Record Statements of National Metallurgical Laboratory Officials
The investigation into the alleged gold theft linked to Sabarimala Temple has taken a new turn, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) preparing to inspect temples in Andhra Pradesh where Smart Creations carried out gold plating work. Officials said the move is aimed at verifying whether gold meant for Sabarimala was diverted or misused during plating and restoration processes.
As part of the widening probe, the SIT will examine multiple temple sites in Andhra Pradesh associated with the contractor to trace the flow and usage of gold. Investigators are focusing on whether discrepancies in records and materials point to possible substitution or the theft of gold intended for temple artefacts.
In a parallel development, the SIT will record statements of officials from the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), who conducted scientific analysis of samples collected from artefacts in and around the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala. A Crime Branch team led by senior officers of the Kerala Police Academy will travel to Jamshedpur this week to obtain detailed expert statements, which are expected to play a key role in the investigation.
The NML reports, submitted after analysis of gold-plated and gold-clad copper plates, were forwarded to investigators on March 3 and received on May 29. Officials have informed the court that the findings, when read together with reports from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, provide a clearer scientific understanding of the alleged methodology behind the offence.
The Kerala High Court has observed that the NML report could be crucial in determining how the alleged theft of gold was carried out at Sannidhanam. The court noted that the scientific evidence may help establish the sequence of events and the manner in which the alleged irregularities occurred.
So far, 408 witnesses have been examined and their statements recorded as part of the ongoing probe. Investigators have also seized digital evidence, including two 1 TB hard disks from the office of the Executive Officer of Sabarimala and a 2 TB hard disk containing data from the 2018–19 period, which have been sent to the Kerala State Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.
The SIT recently dismantled portions of the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate of the temple to collect fresh samples with the help of experts. These samples have been forwarded for laboratory testing to determine composition and trace material history.
The investigation is also examining the role of individuals involved in the removal and transportation of the Dwarapalaka idols and associated plates in 2025, including the timeline of events and the responsibilities of officials and staff involved.
The SIT is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the court by June 29 detailing the involvement of the accused, administrative lapses, and the proposed timeline for filing the final report before the jurisdictional court.