SIT Probes Gold Loss at Sabarimala Temple Shrine

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its inquiry into the alleged disappearance of gold from artefacts at the famed hill shrine in Pathanamthitta, with fresh samples collected for scientific analysis entering their second day.

Led by Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan, the team began gathering samples from multiple artefacts inside the Sreekovil on Thursday evening. Officials assisting the probe carefully removed gold-plated coverings from select portions of the sanctum, with the remaining layers scheduled for removal as part of Friday’s procedure. Authorities aim to complete the process swiftly and reinstall the gold coverings soon afterward.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is presently open for monthly rituals and is set to close on the night of February 17.

Permission for the fresh round of testing was granted earlier this week by the Kerala High Court, enabling investigators to pursue advanced forensic methods. The SIT is examining two cases tied to the suspected loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka idol plates and the doorframes of the sanctum.

To establish the composition and authenticity of the metal, the team plans to employ techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to identify surface elements, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for ultra-trace impurity profiling, and optical emission spectroscopy to assess alloy composition and metallurgical consistency.

Similar samples had been collected last year and sent to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, but the necessary analytical facilities were unavailable, prompting the renewed effort.

While granting approval, the court noted that allegations involving the removal or substitution of precious gold at a sacred site directly affect the shrine’s sanctity and require firm scientific verification rather than reliance on testimonies or records that could be disputed.