The Kerala High Court on Monday (June 29) was informed by the Special Investigation (SIT) that the probe into the misappropriation of gold from the doorframes of the Sabarimala temple has been completed and all that remains is the submission of final report.

The SIT sought further time to complete investigation with respect to the plundering of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar went through the report submitted by investigating officer S. Sasidharan IPS.

It was noted that the idols were originally gold-cladded in 1998 but was transported to Chennai in 2019 at the instance of prime accused/sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty and while granting permission to transport them, the Travancore Devaswom Board members, with malicious motive, deliberately described the gold-cladded idols as "copper plates" and concealed its true nature.

The Court further noticed that the intention was to remove the gold from the Dwarapalakas and instead, plate a thin film of gold on the same while misappropriating the balance. However, since the gold plating started to deteriorate, permission was again sought to re-plate it in hide the afore fact and a new criminal conspiracy was entered into by the TDB officers.

"The report further states that overwhelming materials have been collected, clearly establishing the role of (1) Sri. Murari Babu, Executive Officer, Sabarimala; (2) Sri. Unnikrishnan Potty, the sponsor; (3) Sri. Pankaj Bhandari, proprietor of Smart Creations, Chennai; (4) P.S. Prashanth, President of the Travancore Devaswom Board; (5) Adv. A. Ajikumar, Member, Travancore Devaswom Board; (6) Sri. Kandararu Rajeevaru, Chief Priest (Thantri), Sabarimala; and (7) Sri. Rejilal, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The Special Investigation Team has concluded that the acts committed by the accused, acting in concert and pursuant to a premeditated criminal conspiracy, disclose the commission of offences including criminal breach of trust, forgery and criminal conspiracy, punishable under Sections 316(2), 316(5), 336(2) and 61(2) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. They shall, in view of the above, initiate stringent action in terms of the provisions of the BNSS and ensure that the final report is laid as expeditiously as possible," the Court observed.

It was further observed that the report reveals the role of Sundareshan, previous Board Member; Bindhu, TDB Secretary; Mahesh Mohanararu, Thantri; Sunila, Thiruvabharanam Commissioner; O.G. Biju, Executive Officer; Sreenivas, Administrative Officer; Hemanth, Assistant Executive Officer; Bellary jeweller Pandurangaiah Naga Govardhan, and V.S. Rajendra Prasad, ex-Executive Officer.

The Court noted that their role is presently being probed in detail and remarked:

"If, during investigation, sufficient materials are gathered disclosing their involvement in the commission of the offences, the Special Investigation Team shall take appropriate action in accordance with law, including the filing of additional reports, if so warranted."

Since the SIT informed that another analysis report is awaited from the National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur, and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, time was granted.

"It is for the Special Investigation Team to carry the investigation forward with all diligence and vigour and, if the materials so warrant, either register a fresh crime in respect of the transaction relating to the year 2025 or file a further report in Crime No. 3700/CB/CU-IV/TVPM/D/2025," it added regarding Dwarapalaka case.

The Court had, in its previous order, granted a final opportunity to the SIT to place before it the timeframe within which the final report is proposed to be laid before the jurisdictional court, i.e., the Court of the Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance), Kollam.

The case is now posted to July 20 for further consideration.

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

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

Click to Read/Download Interim Order