Kerala HC Finds Systematic Gold Tampering at Sabarimala, 11 Arrests
Kerala HC Finds Systematic Gold Tampering at Sabarimala, 11 Arrests
Chemical analysis by the VSSC confirms a methodical gold tampering at Sabarimala temple, as investigators report 11 arrests and call for deeper probes.
The Kerala High Court on Monday described the chemical analysis of gold-clad sheets from the Sabarimala temple as evidence of a ‘systematic and methodical’ process of tampering and substitution. The court's observations came after it reviewed the technical report submitted by the Special Investigation Team, based on samples examined at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The bench stressed that the report's findings reinforce concerns of misappropriation and pilferage of gold assets from the temple.
The analysis focused on the gold plates donated in 1998 during a period linked to the UB Group, and on whether the original gold-clad plates were replaced during the 2019 renovation and re-plating drive. The court noted specific chemical signatures: the original plates lacked nickel and acrylic polymer layers, while the later plated copper components showed nickel and acrylic polymers. The changes, coupled with comparative gold-nickel thickness, strongly indicate a systematic process rather than a one-off theft.
Samples were collected on November 17 and 18, 2025, and sent to VSSC to determine the exact quantity of gold involved and to verify the extent of any replacement. The court’s remarks come as the SIT has so far arrested 11 people, including top Travancore Devaswom Board officials and political figures, in connection with the case. The High Court also directed the SIT to submit a comprehensive status report by February 9 during the ongoing probe.
Beyond the courtroom, there have been calls for a deeper probe, including petitions for a CBI investigation, as questions over temple administration spanning two decades continue to surface in public discourse. The SIT interim report highlighted the need for an exhaustive inquiry into how gold assets were handled, stored, and insured, prompting a broader push for transparency as investigators press on with the case.
