The VSSC report precisely recorded the amount of gold present in the copper layers and also determined their age.
Published Jan 18, 2026 | 11:10 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 18, 2026 | 11:10 AM
Sabarimala
Synopsis: The investigation into the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala in Kerala reached a major turning point after scientific tests conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre confirmed irregularities in the quantity of gold used at the temple.
The investigation into the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala in Kerala reached a major turning point. Scientific tests conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) have confirmed irregularities in the quantity of gold used at the temple.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the irregularities, will submit its findings to the Kerala High Court on Monday, 19 January. The tests revealed discrepancies in the gold content of the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the sreekovil that Unnikrishnan Potty returned.
When these were scientifically compared with other gold-plated layers installed in 1998, clear differences were found.
For the examination, small portions were cut from the door frames and Dwarapalaka idols and sent for testing. The VSSC report precisely recorded the amount of gold present in the copper layers and also determined their age.
A total of 15 samples were subjected to scientific analysis. The report, which was submitted in a sealed cover to the Kollam Vigilance Court, was handed over to the SIT on Saturday.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H Venkatesh will present the investigation team’s report, along with the VSSC findings, before the High Court on Monday. This is expected to be a key piece of evidence in the ongoing Sabarimala gold controversy.
Based on the findings, the investigation team suspects that after the original gold layers were removed during transportation, new moulds may have been created, and copper layers with minimal gold plating were prepared and returned.
Earlier, the high court had instructed the SIT to probe the possibility of a “Subhash Kapoor–style” scam, involving illegal trafficking of antiquities. As part of this probe, VSSC was assigned to carry out more scientific examination.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
