The Kerala High Court on Monday provided the Special Investigation Team (SIT) with a crucial extension of six additional weeks to complete its comprehensive probe into the sensational alleged gold theft from the revered Sabarimala temple. The bench, comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar, issued the order while reviewing a detailed progress report on the investigation.
Court's Directives and Investigation Scope
The court empowered SIT chief ADGP H Venkatesh to induct officers of the highest integrity into the team as needed, ensuring no facet of the complex crime remains unexamined. However, the bench mandated that the SIT must file a report before the court each time a new officer is included. ADGP Venkatesh, along with Investigating Officer S Sasidharan and the chief vigilance and security officer, were present in court during the proceedings.
The investigation revolves around two separate cases filed in connection with the grand theft. In the first case, concerning the removal of gold from the dwarapalaka idol plates and side pillar plates, authorities have arrested nine out of the fifteen accused individuals. In the parallel second case, related to the stripping of gold cladding from the side frames of the doors and connected plates of the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), nine out of twelve accused have also been taken into custody.
Forensic Analysis and Evidence Gathering
The SIT report presented to the court outlined significant strides in the probe. Investigators have successfully obtained vital records pertaining to the original gold cladding work executed at the temple in 1998 by the UB Group. The team has examined a substantial number of 181 witnesses so far.
In a move to gather digital evidence, mobile phones belonging to the accused have been seized and sent for forensic examination. Furthermore, bank account details linked to suspicious financial transactions have been collected and are undergoing rigorous analysis. The SIT has also initiated steps for handwriting and signature comparison on questioned documents against admitted specimens.
Scientific Tests at VSSC and Court's Observations
A pivotal development in the investigation involves scientific tests. Samples collected from the original plates at Sannidhanam have been submitted to the prestigious Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) for advanced analysis. The results of these tests are currently awaited.
The High Court observed that the findings from the VSSC tests are likely to provide critical insights into the precise method employed to surreptitiously remove, replace, or misappropriate the gold. The court noted the crime appeared to be executed through a premeditated and concerted design by individuals who were entrusted with the custody and protection of the deity's valuables. The case has been adjourned to January 19 for the next hearing.
