The investigation into the missing gold from Sabarimala temple’s sacred structures entered a crucial phase on Monday as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) undertook detailed scientific examinations at the hill shrine. Acting on directives from the Kerala High Court, the team removed several gold-clad plates from areas adjacent to the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) to conduct forensic analyses aimed at determining the nature and scale of the reported gold loss.

The procedure began shortly after the completion of the temple’s afternoon rituals. According to temple officials, the SIT commenced its operation at 1.15 pm, following the formal deva anujna (divine permission) and the temple’s closure after uchcha puja. The scientific examination continued uninterrupted for nearly two hours and concluded around 3 pm, when the temple reopened to devotees. This delicate and highly monitored exercise marks one of the most comprehensive investigative efforts undertaken inside Sabarimala in recent years.

A High-Security, Multidisciplinary Operation

The SIT, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan, has been camping inside the temple premises since Sunday to prepare for the specialized operation. The investigation team consisted of around 20 members, including forensic experts, chemical analysts, and senior police personnel. Their combined expertise was considered essential, given the sensitive nature of the materials involved and the high levels of precision required in the examination.

Every step of the process was documented in detail. Officials confirmed that the entire operation was videographed and photographed to ensure transparency and to serve as evidence for further legal proceedings. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) sculptors played an instrumental role by assisting investigators in carefully detaching the gold-clad plates from designated temple structures. These included the side pillars, the pedestals of the dwarapalakas (guardian idols), and the decorated door frames of the sanctum.

Following their removal, the plates were taken to a secure room within the temple complex. Here, investigators weighed each plate meticulously, recorded relevant details, and collected samples of the gold cladding for laboratory analysis. Early indications suggest that the plates will be reinstalled once the procedures outlined by the court are completed, although this will depend on the progress of the investigation and further technical assessments.

High Court’s Directives: Comprehensive Scientific Examination

The Kerala High Court’s permission for the scientific inquiry came after the SIT submitted a formal request, explaining the need for a detailed examination to ascertain the extent of gold loss. The alleged loss stems from an electroplating process conducted in 2019, during which multiple gold-plated structures were refurbished. Complaints later surfaced regarding discrepancies in the quantity and purity of gold used in the process.

In response to the SIT’s concerns, the court issued clear instructions. It directed investigators to weigh the dwarapalakaidol plates and the plates fixed to the side pillars of the sreekovil. It further ordered the collection of samples from the gold cladding to evaluate purity levels, assess surface area measurements, and collect copper samples from the plates and the sanctum’s door frames.

These samples are now set to undergo rigorous scientific tests, including electrical conductivity assessments, spectroscopic analyses, and microstructure examinations. Such advanced forensic methods are expected to help investigators determine not only the composition and purity of the gold but also whether replacement materials may have been used during the electroplating process, potentially shedding light on the suspected misappropriation.

Scope of the Investigation and Key Accusations

The SIT is currently investigating two closely related cases involving the loss of gold from the dwarapalaka plates and the gold-clad plates of the sreekovil door frames. These cases have drawn widespread public attention and triggered concerns about mismanagement, negligence, or corruption within the temple administration during the 2019 refurbishment.

The prime accused in the case is Unnikrishnan Potti, a devotee who allegedly sponsored the electroplating work. Investigators suspect that discrepancies in the gold content may have been deliberately concealed under the guise of temple renovation. However, the scope of the investigation extends far beyond a single individual.

The SIT has already arrested former Travancore Devaswom Board president N. Vasu, along with three officials who were assigned to Sabarimala during the 2019 renovation period. Their arrests follow allegations that they played roles in approving or overseeing the electroplating project, during which the suspected irregularities occurred. These developments underscore the wide-reaching nature of the investigation, which now encompasses both administrative and operational lapses.

Scientific Analysis Expected to Reveal Crucial Details

The gold-plated structures at Sabarimala are not only sacred but also of immense cultural and historical significance. Any alterations, especially involving valuable materials like gold, are subject to strict scrutiny. Scientists involved in the tests are expected to focus on identifying whether the gold plating was diluted, whether inferior-quality materials were substituted, and whether the recorded quantities of gold used during the 2019 electroplating align with the actual measurements from the plates.

Spectroscopic and microstructural analyses will help determine whether any tampering occurred after installation or during refurbishment. Electrical conductivity tests, meanwhile, can reveal the purity of the metal and highlight inconsistencies in the electroplated layers. The results from these tests will be pivotal in establishing the extent of the alleged gold loss and identifying those responsible.

A Case Under Close Judicial and Public Watch

The Sabarimala gold case is being closely monitored not only by the Kerala High Court but also by devotees and the public at large, who regard the temple’s sanctity as paramount. The allegations of gold loss have raised serious questions about transparency and accountability within the temple management system.

The court’s decision to approve a thorough scientific investigation reflects its intent to ensure fairness and accuracy. The detailed injunctions it issued demonstrate a growing emphasis on evidence-backed findings in matters involving religious institutions and heritage assets. As the SIT continues its probe, the collected samples will undergo laboratory testing over the coming weeks. The findings are expected to shape the next stage of the investigation, including potential charges and further arrests.

As of now, officials remain cautious about drawing conclusions. However, the scale and intensity of the ongoing scientific efforts signal a determined push toward resolving the mystery of the missing Sabarimala gold—an issue that has captured the attention of devotees, investigators, and judicial authorities alike.