Special Investigation Team Authorized to Dismantle Temple Artefacts for Scientific Analysis, as Court Recognizes Necessity in Ongoing Theft Probe
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the theft of gold-clad copper plates from the revered Sabarimala Temple, the Kerala High Court has granted permission to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to dismantle specific temple artefacts for scientific analysis. The decision, aimed at conclusively determining the quantity of gold cladding and uncovering the truth behind the theft, was announced by a division bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar.
The case, initiated suo motu by the court, revolves around the theft and pilferage of gold-clad copper plates from the temple's Dwarapalakas, a crime that surfaced in September 2025. The SIT, led by Investigating Officer Sri. S. Sasidharan, IPS, has been conducting a meticulous investigation, receiving comprehensive reports from the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) in Jamshedpur and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). These reports provide crucial insights into the methodology of the offence, aiding in identifying the perpetrators.
The court's latest order allows the dismantling of the Prabhamandalam plates and the upper-side door frame plate, pivotal artefacts within the temple, to collect samples for scientific analysis. The court emphasized the indispensability of this action to assess the actual quantity of gold cladding accurately. Previous attempts to dismantle these artefacts faced opposition and technical challenges, highlighting the complexity of the investigation.
The SIT's progress report reveals an extensive investigation involving the examination of 408 witnesses and the seizure of crucial digital records, including hard disks containing temple-related data. The investigation has also uncovered details about the procurement and use of a special stripping salt by a Chennai-based firm, Smart Creations, to remove gold from the artefacts, furthering the probe's depth.
In another development, the court approved the request to relieve Sri. Anish P.B., an Inspector of Police, from the SIT to assume a new role in the Cabinet Secretariat, acknowledging the completion of critical investigation stages.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 18, 2026, when the SIT is expected to update on further developments and finalize the investigation, potentially revealing the roles and culpability of the individuals involved in the theft.
Bottom line:-
Investigation into the theft and pilferage of gold-clad copper plates of the Dwarapalakas from the Sabarimala Temple - Special Investigation Team permitted to dismantle artefacts for scientific analysis to ascertain the truth and accurately assess the quantity of gold cladding.
Statutory provision(s): Criminal Procedure, Criminal Investigation, Administrative Order
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2918715
