Kerala High Court Backs SIT Probe in Sabarimala Gold Case, Says No Aspect Left Unexamined

The Kerala High Court has endorsed the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged Sabarimala Gold scandal, firmly rejecting opposition allegations that the probe was biased or conducted under government pressure. The court observed that the investigation was being carried out in a professional and comprehensive manner, with no detail overlooked.

The case pertains to serious allegations that gold-plated sheets were used instead of solid gold plates on the Dwarapalaka idols at the Sabarimala temple, potentially resulting in the theft or misappropriation of gold. The controversy surfaced last year after discrepancies were noticed during routine inspections at the Sannidhanam, raising concerns over possible tampering with the temple’s valuables.

Following the detection of these irregularities, a Special Investigation Team was constituted to probe the suspected replacement and disappearance of gold from the sacred site. The matter, given its religious significance and public sensitivity, quickly drew widespread attention across Kerala and beyond.

After examining a detailed status report submitted by the SIT, the High Court stated that it was satisfied the investigation was being conducted “in a professional and thorough manner, leaving no stone unturned.” The bench made it clear that there was no evidence to support claims that the probe lacked independence or objectivity.

The court also took serious note of what it described as undue pressure being exerted on the investigating team through speculative and misleading narratives circulated in certain sections of the mainstream media and on social media platforms.

It observed that some reports appeared to have been deliberately framed to make baseless allegations against the police, accusing them of indulging in “sensationalism and optics,” without regard for facts or the actual progress of the investigation. The High Court cautioned that probes involving grave allegations and matters of public faith cannot be conducted in an environment resembling a media trial.

Informing the court of the progress made so far, the SIT stated that statements from 181 witnesses had already been recorded as part of the investigation. Taking note of this, the bench directed that the court be kept informed through periodic reports whenever new officers are inducted into the SIT.

The court also granted permission to Additional Director General of Police H Venkatesh to expand the SIT, if required, to ensure that the investigation continues without any procedural or manpower constraints.

In a significant development, the SIT revealed that it has sought scientific assistance from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to strengthen the probe. Samples from the original gold-clad plates at the Sannidhanam were collected for detailed scientific examination.

The objective of the scientific analysis is to determine the quantity of gold originally used in 1998 and to establish whether the original gold plates were later replaced with gold-plated substitutes. Investigators believe this evidence could prove crucial in uncovering the truth behind the alleged irregularities.

The High Court emphasized that the outcome of these scientific tests would be of immense importance, as they are likely to reveal whether gold was secretly removed, replaced, or misappropriated through a deliberate and coordinated scheme by those entrusted with safeguarding the deity’s valuables at Sabarimala.

With the court’s backing and continued scientific and investigative efforts, the SIT probe into the Sabarimala gold case is expected to play a decisive role in restoring public confidence and ensuring accountability in a matter that has deeply resonated with devotees and the wider public.