A critical scientific report that could break the Sabarimala gold theft case wide open has finally reached investigators. On Friday, a vigilance court handed over a sealed analysis from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) currently probing the disappearance of gold from the Lord Ayyappa temple.
The report, which was commissioned following an order from the Kerala High Court, focuses on the gold plating found on the copper claddings of several temple artifacts and door frames. The SIT particularly asked for this analysis because they wanted to compare the quality and makeup of gold prior to and after sending out the plates for restoration in 2019. This was done by the main suspect in this case, Unnikrishnan Potty, and this was also when police believe that gold was drained from here.
The probe centers on two specific cases of missing gold: one involving the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and another involving the door frames of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). So far, the investigation has been sweeping, resulting in 12 arrests. Along with Potty, the police have taken two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) into custody, signaling that the alleged corruption reached the very top of the temple's administration.
With the VSSC findings now in hand, the SIT is expected to brief the Kerala High Court this Monday. The contents of this scientific breakdown will likely dictate whether more arrests are on the horizon or if the current charges against the temple officials will be upgraded.
Also read: Kerala Congress (M) rules out alliance change ahead of 2026 polls
Follow us
