Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala High Court Allows Inclusion Of Two More Officers In Special Investigation Team

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (30 December) allowed the inclusion of two more officers in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted for the investigation of gold theft from the Dwarapalaka idols and lintels of the Sabarimala temple.

A vacation bench comprising Justice Ziyad Rahman A A and Justice M B Snehalatha allowed the application submitted by the head of the SIT which requested the inclusion of two officers in the rank of Circle Inspector (CI) to the investigation team. 

“A report has been submitted by the head of the Special Investigation Team seeking permission of this Court to include two officers in the Special Investigation Team…After considering the report, we are of the view that the permission sought can be granted.” the bench ordered orally 

The SIT was constituted to investigate alleged loss of gold that came to light during the Court's intervention while considering a suo motu petition initiated on the basis of a report of the Special Commissioner stating that the Gold-cladded copper covering of the Dwarapalaka idols and the Peedam on which the idols were fixed, were removed without prior intimation to it.

The Court had earlier granted SIT six more weeks to conclude its investigation into the plundering of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and lintels of the Sabarimala temple after it was informed that the scientific investigation as directed by the Court has been initiated.

The matter is posted on 14 January, 2026 for further consideration.

Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025

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