'Organised Pilferage Of Sacred Valuables': Kerala High Court Finds Systematic, Methodical Misappropriation Of Gold From Sabarimala Idols

The Kerala High Court on Monday (January 19) observed that a systematic and methodical process went into the misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sabarimala temple.This comes after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating into the case submitted a comprehensive progress report along with the chemical analysis report prepared by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). As per the Court's earlier direction, samples collected from the original plates were sent to the VSSC for a scientific investigation. The intention behind the same was to ascertain the quantity of gold that was used for cladding in 1998, and for the subsequent plating that was done in 2019. The scientific tests were also conducted to verify whether copper plates were swapped or tampered with and to check whether the original gold-cladded plates were removed and substituted with freshly plated components.Upon looking into the analysis report, the Court remarked that in the original gold-clad plates there was no nickel and acrylic polymer layers whereas in the subsequently plated copper plates, presence of nickel, the absence of mercury and the presence of acrylic polymer layers.The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar remarked that the Court's apprehension regarding misappropriation stands confirmed by this report. It observed:"On examining the summary of the chemical analysis, we find that the apprehensions earlier expressed by this Court stand prima facie reinforced...These analysis reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of the alleged tampering and substitution, but also provide critical evidentiary pointers for correlating past transactions with subsequent activities."The SIT also told the Court that since the analysis report was too technical, it was necessary to take detailed statements from the experts at VSSC to interpret the report. The Court then directed the SIT to expeditiously proceed to record the experts' statements and to comprehensively decode and correlate the analytical findings with the physical and documentary evidence already seized.It was further informed to the Court that subsequent to the replacement of the Kodimaram (flag post) in 2017, the 'Vajivahanam' atop the flag post in the temple was handed over to thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, who is also accused in the crime. This was seized from the house of the thantri during a search and was prima facie found to have been made using 'panchaloha'.Considering these, the Court felt it appropriate that an investigation should also be made into Ashtadikpalaka idols. The SIT also informed that the dismantling and replacement of the kodimaram also had to be looked into as part of the investigation.The Court remarked that although the initial investigation was confined to the Dwarapalaka idols, it has shed light on more and more instances of misappropriation of temple property by those entrusted to protect it."What initially appeared to be routine administrative actions undertaken in purported good faith and in the ostensible interest of the deity has, upon closer scrutiny, opened a Pandora's box and revealed prima facie indicators of organised pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables, allegedly facilitated with the active connivance and encouragement of individuals who were entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the assets and valuables of the deity...What commenced as a limited probe has, in the course of investigation, uncovered multiple layers of irregularities and revealed a chain of transactions and administrative decisions which, prima facie, indicate that the matter is not confined to isolated or sporadic acts, but points towards a wider and more entrenched pattern of misconduct. The investigation has, in effect, opened a hornet's nest, bringing to light serious irregularities which had hitherto remained concealed and exposing several disturbing aspects that call for comprehensive and methodical scrutiny," the Court remarked.The Court also gave permission to the SIT to visit Sabarimala tomorrow (January 20) and to take measurements of the surface area of two doors in the storeroom for the purpose of calculating the quantum of gold cladded on the door frames and Prabhamandalam plates.The Bench also expressed its satisfaction in the manner and progress of investigation. The case is posted next on February 9.Today, the Court, while considering a plea by the members of the Akhila Thanthri Pracharak Sabha seeking CBI probe into the cases, had orally questioned the motives of the petitioners, who had claimed that the SIT was politically influenced.Case No: WP(C) No. 40608 of 2025Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click To Read/Download Interim Order

'Organised Pilferage Of Sacred Valuables': Kerala High Court Finds Systematic, Methodical Misappropriation Of Gold From Sabarimala Idols

K. Salma Jennath

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