Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Sabarimala Gold Heist: SIT to Collect Samples for Scientific Testing
Imagine there was a theft at a famous temple called Sabarimala, and some gold might be missing.
A special police team, the SIT, wants to check the gold that is still there to figure out how much was stolen.
They asked the temple's main priest, the Thantri, for permission to take tiny pieces of the gold plating from the temple's statues and doors.
The High Court also said the police could do this special scientific check.
The police will take these samples on Monday after a special prayer.
They might also use a special law called the Prevention of Corruption Act against some people who used to work for the temple, as the court has ordered a thorough investigation.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) will collect gold samples from Sabarimala temple on Monday for scientific testing.
The samples will be collected from gold-plated sheets on Dwarapalaka sculptures and door frames after the midday puja.
Permission for sample collection was obtained from the Thantri of the Sabarimala temple.
The scientific examination aims to ascertain the weight of the gold lost in the heist.
The SIT is also considering invoking the Prevention of Corruption Act against retired and serving Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials.
- Who
- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Thantri of Sabarimala temple.
- What
- Collection of gold samples for scientific testing related to the Sabarimala gold heist case.
- When
- Monday, after the Ucha puja (midday puja).
- Where
- Sabarimala temple, specifically on Dwarapalaka sculptures, door frames, and other artifacts.
- Why
- To conduct a scientific examination to ascertain the weight of the lost gold and to potentially invoke the Prevention of Corruption Act against implicated officials.
Sabarimala Temple Administration
Investigators
Permission for Scientific Examination
Sabarimala Temple Administration
The temple Thantri initially needed to grant permission for the SIT to collect samples for scientific testing.
Investigators
The High Court directly instructed the SIT to conduct a detailed scientific examination of gold-plated sheets and artifacts.
- Investigation Agency
- Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Location
- Sabarimala Temple
- Purpose of Sampling
- Scientific testing of gold plating to ascertain the weight of lost gold.
- Key Artifacts for Examination
- Dwarapalaka sculptures, door frames, idols, pedestals, and other artifacts.
- Legal Directive
- Kerala High Court order dated November 5.
- New Legal Provision
- Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.
