Sabarimala Gold Theft Investigation: SIT to Submit Final Report Within 30 Days

Doha, Qatar Jul 21, 2026 ALN: The Sabarimala gold theft case has garnered significant attention in Kerala, not only due to the nature of the crime but also because of its connection to one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned to the case has recently informed the Kerala High Court that it will submit a final report regarding one of the two cases associated with the alleged theft within the next 30 days. This report pertains specifically to the pilfering of gold from the Dwarapalakas, the guardian figures placed at the entrance of the Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum, of the Sabarimala temple.

The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, attracts millions of devotees annually, particularly during the pilgrimage season. The temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a symbol of cultural significance in the region. The gold cladding on the Dwarapalakas is a testament to the temple's wealth and the devotion of its followers. Therefore, the alleged theft of gold from these sacred figures has raised concerns among devotees and the broader public about the security and integrity of religious artifacts.

The SIT, which has been tasked with investigating the case, has also indicated that it is making progress on the second case related to alleged gold pilferage transactions that occurred in September 2025. While the SIT has requested additional time to finalize certain confidential aspects of this investigation, it has assured the court that it will submit its findings without unnecessary delay.

During a recent court hearing, a Division Bench consisting of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar reviewed the status report presented by Additional Director General of Police (Crimes) H Venkitesh. The SIT head, Sasidharan, Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director of the Kerala Police Academy (KEPA), also provided insights into the ongoing investigation. The court learned that the first case's investigation has reached a substantial conclusion, allowing for the impending submission of the final report.

One of the notable factors contributing to the investigation's timeline has been the requirement for specialized scientific examinations. The SIT noted that the delay in completing the probe was primarily due to the time taken for these examinations at the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur. The final scientific report from the laboratory, which was received on July 6, 2026, was pivotal for the investigation, offering critical data regarding the elemental composition and characteristics of the gold and copper involved in the case.

The court had previously approved the SIT's request to send samples for advanced examinations at the NML, as the laboratory possesses unique capabilities for conducting tests such as X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES). These sophisticated techniques are essential for analyzing the elemental composition, impurities, alloy composition, and metallurgical characteristics of the materials in question.

According to the SIT's findings, the scientific tests conducted have provided clarity on how the gold was allegedly extracted from the copper plates, the quantity of gold that was purportedly pilfered, and the overall composition of the plates. Furthermore, the SIT examined a stripping salt that had been seized from Smart Creations, a Chennai-based firm that was contracted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to perform gold-plating work on the Dwarapalakas. This examination aimed to determine whether the stripping salt could have been employed to remove the gold cladding in the manner alleged by the prosecution.

The results from the laboratory have been instrumental in elucidating the process allegedly followed by the accused, providing detailed information about the copper plates' composition, the quality and quantity of gold originally used for cladding, and the amount of gold allegedly utilized for nano-gold plating at Smart Creations. This scientific grounding is vital for establishing a robust case against the accused, moving beyond mere anecdotal or circumstantial evidence.

In their efforts to strengthen the investigation, the SIT officers visited the NML between July 9 and July 11, where they engaged with the scientists responsible for conducting the examinations. The statements of these scientific officers were recorded to enhance the evidentiary value of the findings. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with investigative practices in modern law enforcement.

As for the second case concerning alleged gold pilferage transactions, the SIT has reported that their investigation is ongoing. They have examined 54 witnesses to date, providing a broader context and deeper insights into the alleged modus operandi of those involved in the transactions. This thorough examination of witnesses is crucial, as it helps to build a comprehensive narrative around the events that transpired.

The Division Bench overseeing the case has emphasized the significance of the scientific analysis conducted by the NML, recognizing that the laboratory's specialized infrastructure and expertise were essential for the metallurgical examinations required in this case. The court has noted that the prosecution's case relies not only on eyewitness accounts or circumstantial evidence but is fundamentally supported by scientific and forensic material, which enhances the credibility of the findings.

In light of these developments, the High Court has instructed the SIT to expedite the investigation into the second case and to file the final report before the jurisdictional court as soon as possible. The matter has been scheduled for further consideration on September 3, 2026, as the court continues to monitor the progress of the investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the findings will impact the broader narrative surrounding the Sabarimala temple and its management. The case not only raises questions about the security of religious artifacts but also touches upon issues of trust and accountability within religious institutions. The implications of this case could resonate beyond the immediate legal context, potentially influencing public perceptions of the temple's governance and the stewardship of its valuable assets. The community of devotees, who hold the Sabarimala temple in high regard, will be closely observing the developments, hoping for a resolution that restores faith in the integrity of their sacred site.