'Don't give in to influence, six more weeks to end investigation'; High Court tells SIT

KOCHI: The High Court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) not to yield to any influence in the investigation of the Sabarimala gold theft case. It was clarified that the investigation was placed under the strict supervision of the court, considering the possibility of high-level influence in the case. The court expressed satisfaction with the SIT investigation and also allowed six more weeks to complete the investigation. More members will be made part of the investigation team.

The Devaswom bench, comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K V Jayakumar, stated in its interim order that crucial information in the gold theft will come to light through a scientific and comprehensive investigation.

“Rumours and stories are circulating that could put pressure on the SIT. There were also campaigns against the newly inducted officers. The best officers have been appointed as per the court's instructions. The media trail should not in any way affect the investigation,” instructed the court.

SIT chief ADGP H. Venkatesh and investigating officer S. Sasidharan appeared in court and submitted the investigation progress report. The report contains information about the interrogation of former minister Kadakampally Surendran and Tamil industrialist D Mani. Out of the 15 accused in the gold theft case of Dwarapalaka sculptures, nine have been arrested. Out of the 12 accused in the gold cladding and Sreekovil door cases, nine have been arrested. Statements of 181 witnesses were recorded. It was also informed that an application was filed in the magistrate's court to take evidence from crucial witnesses.

The incidents from 1998 to September 2025 need to be investigated. The court also said that patience and caution are essential in investigating a highly complex case. Scientific test results should be obtained to know the amount of gold lost and whether the original was replaced with another. The chemical test at the VSSC is expected to shed important information on the crime. The SIT should submit an interim report when the case is considered again on the 19th.

1. The SIT's actions so far are impeccable. Evidence was collected even outside the state. Documents that many tried to hide were also seized. Call data and tower locations of the suspects were collected.

2. Mobiles were seized and sent for forensic examination. Handwriting and signatures were checked. Documents were also recovered to check whether the accused had disproportionate assets. Files of gold plating carried out by UB Group at Sannidhanam in 1998-99 were also recovered.