SIT to conduct court-ordered scientific examination at Sabarimala tomorrow
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Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant step in the probe into the alleged disappearance of gold from Sabarimala temple, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reached the hill shrine on Sunday to prepare for a comprehensive scientific examination scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Police officials said the inspection began after 1 p.m., following the mandatory Deva Anujna (divine permission) rituals.
The SIT team, led by DySP S. Sasidharan, the investigation officer, arrived at Pampa on Sunday morning and later proceeded to Sannidhanam, where they will remain stationed until the procedure is completed.
Forensic specialists, including chemical analysts and technical experts, will participate in the operation to ensure the examination is conducted in line with the Kerala High Court's directives.
The scientific assessment was proposed after concerns emerged regarding the loss of gold from the temple’s Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols in 2019. To determine the extent of the alleged depletion, the SIT recently approached the Kerala High Court seeking approval for a detailed forensic study.
The court issued specific instructions, directing investigators to weigh the Dwarapalaka idol plates and side pillar plates, measure their surface areas, and collect gold cladding samples for analysis. These samples will be tested for purity, thickness, and overall quality.
Additionally, the court instructed the team to collect copper samples from the Dwarapalaka plates and door frames for comparative study. The analyses will employ advanced scientific techniques such as spectroscopic examination, electrical conductivity testing, and micro-structural evaluation to detect any potential tampering, removal, or replacement of the gold layers.
The SIT had initially planned to complete the scientific tests on November 15, ahead of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. However, the Thanthri (Chief Priest) advised that any examination of temple structures or deities be conducted only after the Deva Anujna rituals.
Following this guidance, the High Court modified its earlier directive, ordering the procedure to be carried out only after Ucha Pooja and the temple’s closure at 1 p.m. on Monday.
With the divine rituals completed and the expert team in place, the SIT is expected to finish the scientific examination in a single session on Monday, marking a key milestone in the ongoing investigation into the temple’s missing gold.
With IANS inputs