Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala High Court Directs SIT To Complete Probe After Receipt Of Scientific Report From National Metallurgical Lab

The Kerala High Court on Monday (July 20) noted that the final scientific report from the CSIR National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand has been received by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala Gold Theft case.

The case refers to the alleged misappropriation of gold from the gold-cladded Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sabarimala temple.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar today perused the report from the lab, which was received only on July 6.

It then observed that the same threw light on the process allegedly adopted by the accused as well as the quantity and quality of the gold originally used among other things. Moreover, the statements of the scientific officers who conducted the examinations were also recorded by the SIT after the report was submitted.

"This has given fresh perspectives to the Team and the method adopted by the accused. The report further states that the final opinion rendered by the National Metallurgical Laboratory provides a comprehensive scientific explanation of the entire process allegedly adopted by the accused. It elucidates the manner in which the gold was stripped from the copper plates and identifies the composition and metallurgical characteristics of the copper plates. The test has also enabled the Investigating agency to have a clear idea as to the quality and quantity of gold originally used for cladding the plates, and also the amount of gold utilised for nano gold plating at Smart Creations. These findings would furnish the scientific basis for understanding the modus operandi allegedly employed by the accused," the Court added.

Noting that this was a case that required forensic and scientific evidence, the Court had earlier permitted the SIT to send samples relating to the crime to the lab.

Today, the Court also perused the report submitted by H. Venkitesh, the Additional Director General of Police (Crimes) and interacted with the investigating officer, Sasidharan IPS.

In the report, it was stated that the investigation in the door frames case has substantially been completed and that the final report can be filed within 30 days. It is further stated that thereafter, appropriate steps will be taken to obtain prosecution sanction from the authority concerned.

With respect to the Dwarapalaka idols case, the report has stated that the alleged misappropriation of gold during September 2025 has been clubbed along with the previous misappropriation. It sought time more time to complete the investigation into the same.

The Court has directed the SIT to complete the investigation into the Dwarapalaka idols case and to file the final report at the earliest.

The case is posted to September 3 for further consideration.

Case No: W.P.(C) No. 40608 of 2025

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

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