Special Investigation Team to Probe Theft of Sacred Valuables with Court Oversight
The Kerala High Court, on January 5, 2026, delivered a significant judgment in the case concerning the theft of sacred valuables from the Sabarimala temple, emphasizing the importance of a fair, effective, and impartial investigation. The case, initiated suo motu by the court, has drawn attention due to the extraordinary nature of the theft and the high-profile individuals potentially involved.
Presided over by Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar, the court is closely monitoring the investigation led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure the process remains free from external pressure and interference. The SIT, headed by Sri H. Venkatesh, ADGP (Law & Order), has been tasked with examining complex financial transactions and the removal of gold from temple adornments dating back to 1998.
The court reviewed a comprehensive report submitted by the SIT, detailing the investigation's progress. As of now, 15 individuals have been charged in one case, with nine arrests made, while another case has 12 individuals charged, also with nine arrests. The investigation involves analyzing call data, conducting forensic examinations, and scrutinizing bank transactions to trace the movement of funds and gold.
The High Court underscored the need for the investigation to adhere to legal and forensic principles, cautioning against media speculation which could undermine the integrity of the process. The SIT has been granted permission to co-opt officers of the highest integrity to aid the investigation, ensuring a thorough and timely completion of the probe.
Further, the court extended the investigation period by six weeks due to the voluminous and complex nature of the case records. The SIT has been instructed to continue its meticulous work, uninfluenced by external pressures, with the next report due on January 19, 2026.
The judgment highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding the investigation's integrity in cases of public importance, reinforcing public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Bottom Line:
Investigation of a case involving theft of sacred valuables from Sabarimala temple - Court monitoring investigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure fair, effective, impartial, and lawful process.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Section 183
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2833286
