KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday observed that the chemical analysis of samples from Sabarimala prima facie reinforced its doubts that the original gold-cladding on dwarapalakas and door frames of the temple were replaced.
The court, citing analysis reports from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, noted that the original gold-clad plates didn’t have nickel and acrylic polymer layers, whereas they were present in the subsequently-plated copper plates. This, along with the absence of mercury and comparative thickness of the gold and nickel layers in the latter, indicated a systematic process behind the execution of the alleged offence (of gold theft), it said, adding that the reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of the alleged tampering and substitution, but also provide critical evidentiary pointers for correlating past transactions with later activities.
It said the report assumes importance in the probe as it sheds light on multiple technical and material aspects and furnishes scientific basis for evaluating transactions done in 2024 and 2025, identifying, among other things, the chain of decision-making.
Routine administrative actions opened Pandora’s box upon scrutiny, says HC
The court refrained from disclosing additional technical particulars at this stage, noting the possibility of further arrests and recoveries. The SIT informed the court that statements of approximately 202 witnesses have been recorded so far, while the recording of certain key witnesses under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, is in progress.
Bank accounts of certain accused have been frozen, and the landed assets of some of the principal accused identified to trace the proceeds of crime. The SIT also said circumstances surrounding the dismantling of the kodimaram in 2017 and the erection of the new one are under close scrutiny.
Connected files, administrative records and related documents are being seized and examined, it said. The SIT said the ‘vajivahanam’ was seized during a search at the residence of Thanthri Kandararu Rajeevaru, currently in custody, and a prima facie inspection indicated it was manufactured using ‘panchaloha’, with a substantial presence of gold on the outer surface, and weighed approximately 10.68kg.
The court observed that the materials placed on record disclose suspicious and disturbing circumstances surrounding the transactions under scrutiny, warranting a more comprehensive investigation in light of the scientific findings and other consequential revelations.
“What appeared to be routine administrative actions undertaken in purported good faith and in the ostensible interest of the deity has, upon closer scrutiny, opened a Pandora’s box, revealing prima facie indicators of organised pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables, allegedly facilitated with the connivance and encouragement of individuals entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the assets and valuables of the deity,” the HC said.
The SIT submitted that after decoding the scientific analysis report and achieving substantial progress in relation to the transactions of the years 1998 and 2019, it would proceed to investigate later transactions to ensure continuity and evidentiary coherence.
MORE ACCUSED LIKELY
The SIT informed the HC that 11 of the 16 accused have been arrested in connection with the case related to missing gold from the dwarapalaka idols and other artefacts at Sabarimala. It said possible involvement of three more persons is under scrutiny based on an assessment of witness statements, documentary material and other corroborative evidence collected so far. In the case relating to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the sreekovil door frames, 11 of the 13 accused have been arrested, and the role of two more suspects is under examination.
HC’s order & observations
The court directed the SIT to record detailed statements of the scientific experts, analysts and technical personnel of the VSSC and to comprehensively decode and correlate the analytical findings with the physical and documentary evidence already seized.
The court also granted permission to the SIT to visit Sabarimala on Tuesday to measure the surface area of two doors, presently kept in the storeroom, for calculating the quantum of gold cladding on the frames and prabhamandalam plates.