Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Sabarimala Gold Theft: SIT Conducts Scientific Tests at Shrine
Detectives are carefully taking off some gold decorations from parts of the Sabarimala temple.
These decorations are from the pillars, the statues of guardian gods, and the doors of the main prayer room.
They will measure these gold pieces and test them to see if they are real gold and how much there is.
Special sculptors helped take them off, and everything was recorded on video.
This is part of an investigation into missing gold from the temple, and the scientists are also testing samples.
After the tests, the gold pieces will be put back.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) removed gold-clad plates from Sabarimala temple for scientific examination.
Plates were taken from side pillars, pedestals of guardian deity idols, and door frames of the sanctum sanctorum.
The procedure was conducted under the guidance of the Kerala High Court after specific rituals and temple closure.
Samples were collected for forensic analysis, and the entire process was videographed and photographed.
Travancore Devaswom Board sculptors assisted in the removal and subsequent reinstallation of the gold plates.
- Who
- Special Investigation Team (SIT), Travancore Devaswom Board sculptors
- What
- Removed gold-clad plates from temple structures for scientific and forensic examination.
- When
- Monday, between 1:15 PM and 3:00 PM.
- Where
- Sabarimala temple, outside the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).
- Why
- To investigate the disappearance of gold from the temple, as suggested by the Kerala High Court.
Investigation Team
Accused/Suspects
Evidence Collection
Investigation Team
The SIT, with forensic experts and chemical analysts, is collecting gold-clad plates from the temple structures for scientific examination, including weighing and purity testing, under court direction.
Accused/Suspects
The process involves removing and re-installing plates, with the weight and purity of removed samples being the focus of the investigation.
- Investigation Body
- Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Deputy SP S Sasidharan
- Location
- Sabarimala temple, outside the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum)
- Procedure
- Removal of gold-clad plates from pillars, idol pedestals, and door frames for forensic examination.
- Assistance
- Travancore Devaswom Board sculptors
- Documentation
- Entire procedure videographed and photographed
- Timeline
- Tests conducted on Monday from 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM after temple closure for rituals.
