Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Kerala High Court Permits Scientific Tests at Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe
Detectives are investigating if some gold went missing from statues at a famous temple called Sabarimala.
The court has given the detectives permission to do special tests on November 17th.
They need to get special permission from the deity first, which is expected on that day.
The tests will involve weighing parts of the statues, taking small samples of the gold to check its quality, and measuring different areas.
They will use scientific tools to figure out what happened to the gold.
The Crime Branch SIT will conduct scientific tests at Sabarimala temple on November 17.
The Kerala High Court approved the tests to investigate alleged gold loss from temple idols in 2019.
Tests will involve weighing gold-plated panels of dwarapalaka idols and side pillar plates.
Sample collection requires divine permission (Deva Anujna) from the deity, expected on the test day.
Scientific analysis includes purity and quality checks of gold cladding, sample collection, and measurement of plates and door frames.
- Who
- The Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Kerala High Court
- What
- Permitted scientific tests to investigate alleged gold loss at the Sabarimala temple.
- When
- November 17, after Ucha Pooja and temple closing at 1 pm.
- Where
- Sabarimala temple, specifically on Dwarapalaka idols, side pillar plates, and sanctum sanctorum's door frames.
- Why
- To assess the extent of gold loss reported in 2019, examine the purity and quality of gold cladding, and collect samples for scientific analysis.
- Court Ruling
- Kerala High Court permitted scientific tests
- Investigating Body
- Crime Branch Special Investigation Team (SIT)
- Location
- Sabarimala Temple
- Subject of Investigation
- Alleged gold theft and loss from temple idols
- Date of Tests
- November 17
- Required Approvals
- Court and Chief Priest (Deva Anujna)
