Kerala High Court Satisfied With SIT Probe Into Sabarimala Gold Theft, Grants Six-Week Extension

The Kerala High Court on Monday (January 5) expressed satisfaction regarding the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting investigation into the Sabarimala gold theft case.The SIT had submitted a report regarding the progress into the investigation before the Court today and after examining the same, the Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar granted an extension of 6 weeks' time to complete the probe."Having gone through the detailed report placed before this Court, we are satisfied that the investigation is being carried out in a professional and thorough manner, leaving no stone unturned...The report further discloses that members of the Special Investigation Team have undertaken investigations outside the State in order to secure all possible and relevant evidence. Though attempts were made by certain persons to conceal records pertaining to the transactions under scrutiny, the team has been able to trace and recover vital documentary evidence." The investigation into the misappropriation of gold from the dwarapalaka idols and doorframes of the Sreekovil of the Sabarimala temple is being carried out under the Court's supervision and two separate crimes have been registered. Looking at the report, the Court noted that 9 accused have been arrested till date, whereas the total number of accused persons are 15 and 12 in the separate crimes. It also observed that 181 witnesses have been examined by the SIT and their statements recorded.Further, it was observed that the investigating team has divided the investigation into 4 phases, spanning from 1998 when the gold cladding was first carried and till September 2025, when the Dwarapalaka idols were sent to Smart Creations for gold plating:"The first phase relates to the gold cladding of various adornments and artefacts in and around the Sreekovil of Sabarimala. The second phase concerns the replacement of the old gold-clad door of the Sreekovil with a new gold-plated door in the year 2019. The third phase pertains to the removal of the gold-clad Dwarapalaka idol plates, side plates, and door frame plates in the year 2019. The fourth phase covers all transactions relating to the gold plating of the Dwarapalaka idol plates in the year 2025."In its order, the Court outlined in detail, the steps taken by the team to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the culprits into light. As previously directed by the Court, scientific investigation is being carried out and, samples have been collected from the original plates and sent to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) for carrying out tests. However, the results of the same are yet to come.The Court also addressed the issue of aspersions being cast against the integrity of the investigation team being aired through mainstream media platforms and in social media. It remarked that such actions have "the potential to undermine the integrity of the investigation, erode public confidence in institutions, and interfere with the fair administration of criminal justice."The Bench added:"We would like to observe that the investigation of a case such as the instant one is a scientific and methodical exercise, requiring patience, precision, and adherence to established legal and forensic principles. It involves the collection, verification, and analysis of evidence, questioning of witnesses, and correlation of multiple strands of information and scientific reports, all of which necessarily consume time. To belittle or trivialise such a process is to undermine the very foundations of fair investigation and the rule of law. It would be worthwhile to bear in mind that truth can only be unearthed through diligence, objectivity, and lawful procedure rather than haste or sensationalism. Such an investigation cannot be reduced to conjecture, speculation, or public perception shaped by incomplete facts."Last week, the Court had allowed the inclusion of two more officers in the SIT. In today's order also, it had expressed willingness to permit the inclusion of more officers of integrity into the team, taking note of the magnitude of the investigation.Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click To Read/Download Interim Order

Kerala High Court Satisfied With SIT Probe Into Sabarimala Gold Theft, Grants Six-Week Extension

K. Salma Jennath

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