In a scathing rebuke, the Kerala High Court on Monday labeled the alleged gold theft from Sabarimala temple’s sanctum sanctorum as a meticulously planned plunder of temple assets. The division bench, reviewing petitions linked to the incident at Sannidhanam, described inspection reports as profoundly alarming, raising grave doubts about whether those entrusted with safeguarding the shrine’s treasures were the very architects of the crime.
The court highlighted glaring irregularities in gold-related works, including panels on gold-plated doors. Citing a preliminary report from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), it underscored suspicions that original gold plates may have been surreptitiously replaced. ‘This demands scientific verification to ascertain if the current plates are old or newly installed,’ the bench asserted.
Directing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh inspection on January 20, the court mandated precise measurements and examinations of door panels and other gold-embellished structures, including legacy doors. Every gold plate’s age and quality must undergo rigorous scientific evaluation, it ordered.
The High Court also required detailed statements from VSSC officials involved in the inspection, noting the report’s highly technical nature warranted further clarity. The SIT was permitted to enlist senior technical experts if needed. While affirming that the modus operandi of the crime stood scientifically established, the court withheld public disclosure of technical details to prevent jeopardizing the probe.
Describing the findings as indicative of a coordinated operation, the bench stressed this was no mere theft but a systematic ransacking of Devaswom properties. Deep concern was voiced over the possibility that custodians of the temple’s wealth were complicit.
The SIT informed the court that 13 accused remain in judicial custody, with more arrests anticipated. Efforts persist to trace gold allegedly melted post-theft, and suspects’ bank accounts have been frozen to identify illicit gains. The next hearing is set for February 9.