Crucial Lead in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case; Dwarapalaka Sculptures’ Copper Sheets Just 7 Years Old
Pathanamthitta: Scientific examination has reportedly indicated that the copper sheets used in the Dwarapalaka sculptures at Sabarimala are only around seven years old, raising fresh questions over whether the original copper sheets were replaced along with the gold plating.
Investigators are examining whether Unnikrishnan Potty, who was entrusted with re-gilding the sculptures, also replaced the original copper sheets. Samples from the Dwarapalaka sculptures were sent to the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur for scientific examination to determine the age of the copper sheets and assess the quantity of gold that may have been lost from the sculptures.
The development has also triggered demands for a comprehensive investigation into whether the copper sheets, in addition to the gold sheets, were removed from the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy temple.
Prasad Kuzhikkala, general secretary of the Thiruvabharana Patha Samrakshana Samithi, called for the investigation to be expanded to cover the copper sheets as well. He said the demand comes amid information that the existing copper sheets do not appear to be several decades old, even as the investigation into the removal of the gold sheets is underway.
According to Kuzhikkala, the significance of the copper sheets goes beyond their metal value, as they have historical, ritual and heritage importance associated with Sabarimala. He said the probe should therefore not be limited to the alleged irregularities involving gold but should also examine the copper sheets.
The investigation should establish when the original copper sheets were removed, on whose instructions they were replaced, and who currently has possession of them, Kuzhikkala said. He also demanded that investigators examine the records and documents based on which the sheets were replaced and determine their present status.
He further called for the investigation to be extended to people who held responsible positions at the time of the alleged replacement, in addition to those already facing investigation. Since the matter concerns the sanctity and assets of Sabarimala, it should not be treated as an ordinary financial crime, he said.
Kuzhikkala also urged that the issue of the copper sheets be brought within the scope of the Special Investigation Team and that the probe be strengthened.
In 1998, UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya had sponsored the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka sculptures along with the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum. Around 30.3 kg of gold and 1,900 kg of copper were used for the work, which reportedly cost ₹18 crore.
The work was carried out at Sannidhanam by 53 craftsmen led by Nagaraj, owner of JNR Jewellery in Mylapore, Chennai. The project took about a year to complete.
In 2019, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) granted permission to Unnikrishnan Potty to re-gild the Dwarapalaka sculptures after their gold covering had faded.
If the scientific examination confirms that the copper sheets are only seven years old, investigators suspect that the original sheets may have been removed and replaced during the 2019 work. The matter is expected to be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
A case was registered against former TDB president P.S. Prashanth and former board member A. Ajikumar over allegations that the Dwarapalaka sculptures were handed over for gold plating again in 2025 to conceal alleged irregularities related to the 2019 work. However, the investigation has reportedly made little progress following their arrests.