Published Jun 09, 2026 | 4:58 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 09, 2026 | 4:58 PM
Sabarimala temple. (iStock)
Synopsis: With the investigation now entering its final phase, the SIT is expected to submit further details regarding the alleged conspiracy, the role of those involved and the scientific findings in the coming hearing scheduled for June 18.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged gold misappropriation from the Sabarimala temple informed the Kerala High Court that the investigation into the removal and disposal of the Dwarapalaka idol plates has almost reached completion and that the final report can be filed without further delay.
The submission was made before a Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar during the Suo motu proceedings initiated by the Court in connection with the alleged pilferage of gold from the Sreekovil of the Sabarimala temple.
Investigating Officer S. Sasidharan IPS submitted that the probe relating to the incidents that led to the removal and disposal of the Dwarapalaka plates in 2025 is now in its concluding stage.
The SIT sought time till 18 June, to place further developments before the court and to clarify the role and culpability of those allegedly involved.
Recording the submission, the bench posted the matter for further consideration on that date.
Also Read: Sabarimala gold theft: SIT to place key metallurgical report before Kerala High Court
Earlier in the day, the High Court permitted the SIT to undertake further dismantling and scientific examination of certain temple artefacts, including the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate of the sreekovil, as part of the ongoing investigation.
A detailed progress report was submitted before the court, stating that the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, functioning under CSIR, had furnished its report on May 29, 2026.
According to the SIT, the findings of the NML, when read together with an earlier report prepared by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), provide investigators with a clearer understanding of the method allegedly used for the gold pilferage at Sannidhanam.
After examining the report, the court observed that the scientific findings would substantially aid the investigation in identifying how the gold was allegedly removed from the temple structures.
The bench also noted that the progress report contains a detailed account of events beginning from July 12, 2024, up to the transportation of the Dwarapalaka idol plates, along with the investigative steps undertaken so far.
The SIT informed the court that as many as 408 witnesses have been examined during the course of the probe.
Investigators have also seized several hard disks containing records connected to the temple administration and forwarded them to the Kerala State Forensic Science Laboratory for examination.
A crucial aspect of the investigation now revolves around a chemical substance identified as “stripping salt.”
According to the SIT, Smart Creations — the establishment where the removed temple artefacts were allegedly taken for gold plating work in 2019 — is suspected to have used the specialised chemical to strip gold cladding from the temple items.
Samples of the suspected stripping substance have already been sent to the National Metallurgical Laboratory for scientific analysis, and the report is awaited.
Investigators told the court that the findings are expected to play a decisive role in establishing the exact method allegedly employed to remove gold from the artefacts.
The SIT further submitted that although samples had earlier been collected from certain structures inside the Sreekovil, practical difficulties and objections during dismantling prevented examination of the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate.
Investigators argued that dismantling these portions and collecting samples were essential to accurately determine the quantity and composition of the gold cladding.
Accepting the request, the High Court authorised the SIT to dismantle the specified plates with expert assistance, collect samples and send them for laboratory examination.
The bench observed that such scientific analysis was necessary to conclusively ascertain the truth behind the alleged misappropriation.
With the investigation now entering its final phase, the SIT is expected to submit further details regarding the alleged conspiracy, the role of those involved and the scientific findings in the coming hearing scheduled for June 18.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
