Sabarimala Gold Heist: National Lab to Conduct Free Forensic Tests, Report by March 31
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged gold heist at Sabarimala Temple has informed the Kerala High Court that the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur has agreed to undertake advanced forensic and metallurgical examinations of samples collected from the gold-clad plates of the sreekovil. This crucial step aims to accurately assess the quantity of gold lost in the high-profile case.
Free Examination and Timely Report Submission
Investigating Officer S Sasidharan appeared before the High Court on Thursday and submitted that the laboratory has agreed to conduct these examinations free of cost, considering the significance of the matter. He further stated that, in view of the laboratory's assurance that the results will be furnished at the earliest, the final report can be laid before the jurisdictional court on or before March 31.
The bench of Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar recorded the submission and adjourned the matter to March 26 for further proceedings.
Background of the Investigation and Sample Collection
Earlier, upon noticing the alleged misappropriation of gold from the gold-clad plates of the dwarapalaka idols on either side of the sreekovil, the court had ordered a thorough investigation. Though a chemical analysis of the samples had been conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, the SIT had sought permission to carry out a detailed metallurgical examination to determine the quantity of gold lost, which was subsequently allowed by the court.
The SIT on Thursday informed the High Court that a total of 36 samples had been collected in connection with the case. Of these:
- 30 samples relate to the crime registered for the alleged misappropriation of gold from the dwarapalaka idols.
- 6 samples relate to the crime registered for the loss of gold from the side frames of the sreekovil door and the connected plates.
These samples were produced before the special court in Kollam for onward transmission to the laboratory in Jamshedpur for scientific examination.
Additional Investigative Efforts
The officer also submitted that efforts are being made to obtain call data records from mobile service providers in respect of phones allegedly used by certain accused persons. This move is part of the broader investigation to trace the movements and communications of suspects involved in the heist.
Flag Mast Case: Separate Inquiry Initiated
In a related development, the government pleader submitted a Government Order (GO) issued by the vigilance director. This GO appoints C S Hari, deputy superintendent of police at the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Thiruvananthapuram, to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of irregularities in the misappropriation of gold connected with the temple flag mast at Sabarimala.
The names of the officers appointed to assist the head of the investigation team have also been furnished. It has been stated that a report on this inquiry will be submitted within 30 days, highlighting the urgency and seriousness with which authorities are addressing the temple's security and integrity concerns.
This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to unravel the full extent of the gold heist and ensure justice in one of Kerala's most sacred sites.
