Sabarimala Theft Case: Kerala HC Orders Scientific Probe Into ‘Missing Gold’ Mystery!

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday ordered a scientific examination into the alleged gold theft and gold-plating irregularities at the Sabarimala temple. It authorised the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to collect gold samples from various sites of the temple and determine “lost” gold during temple renovation works.

The High Court also granted permission to SIT for the examination of the newly installed sanctum sanctorum door. The directions come after the SIT submitted its latest progress report in the court. The court observed that the contractor, Unnikrishnan Potti, who was given the contract for the gold-plating project, was granted excessive freedom by Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials.

The bench of justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar noted a lack of oversight and accountability within the board, which was also a matter of concern, as several officials had allegedly supported Potti in various transactions. “The investigation must reach everyone who was part of the gold theft, directly or indirectly,” it remarked.

The HC also expressed serious suspicion that the Sabarimala gold theft case is linked to an international idol smuggling ring. It stressed that the TDB’s foremost duty was to safeguard the deity's property, which they failed to do. It also instructed exploring options to bring TDB officials under the ambit of the Prevention of Corruption Act, thereby widening the scope of the probe.

The alleged irregularities relate to the gold plating of the temple’s sanctum doors and other structures undertaken as part of renovation efforts. The controversy erupted when the gold quantity used reportedly failed to match official records, fuelling suspicions of large-scale misappropriation.

The probe, led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkitesh, has so far resulted in the arrest of three persons – Potti, serving TDB official Murari Babu, and former official Sudheesh Kumar.

On Monday, the SIT questioned former TDB president and two-term commissioner N. Vasu, a CPI(M) sympathiser and close aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

With the Congress demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and raising questions about former minister and CPI(M) MLA Kadakampally Surendran, the ruling party finds itself on the back foot.

The coming days are expected to be crucial, as the SIT may summon other CPI(M)-linked leaders, including former TDB presidents A. Padmakumar and Ananthagopan, and incumbent chief P. S. Prasanth. (With inputs from agencies)

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