Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT begins collecting samples of gold plates

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has begun collecting samples of the gold plates installed at the sanctum sanctorum. The Kerala High Court had granted permission for further examination after initial samples collected from around the sanctum did not clearly reveal the extent of the alleged fraud. According to sources, samples will be collected from all sides surrounding the sanctum sanctorum.

In the first phase, samples are being taken from the rear side of the sanctum. The inspection is expected to continue for three days. Officials from the Legal Metrology Department are accompanying the Special Investigation Team. The team reached the temple premises around noon today and set up camp. Initially, it was decided that the samples would be collected after the temple doors were closed.