Scientific tests confirm gold theft in Sabarimala, report will be submitted to HC tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A decisive turning point in the complaint of gold theft in Sabarimala. Scientific tests by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) have confirmed discrepancies in the amount of gold in Sabarimala. The special investigation team will submit the report in this regard to the Kerala high court tomorrow.

It was found that there are discrepancies in the quantity of gold in the Dwarapalaka idols and the sreekovil door frames which Unnikrishnan Potty returned. A scientific comparison with other gold-plated layers in 1998 revealed this difference. A certain number of parts were cut from the door frames and Dwarapalaka idols and subjected to testing. The amount of gold in the copper layers and its age are accurately recorded in the report.

The VSSC report, submitted in a sealed envelope at the Kollam Vigilance Court, was handed over to the Special Investigation Team yesterday. A total of 15 samples were subjected to scientific testing. ADGP H Venkatesh will submit the report containing the findings of the investigation team to the high court tomorrow. This report will be crucial evidence in the Sabarimala gold controversies.

Fifteen samples were tested by VSSC. The age of the layers was mainly evaluated. The amount of gold in them is also fixed. The investigation team suspects that after transporting the gold layers, a new mold was made and the new layers were made in copper and returned with gold plating. The high court had also directed the SIT to investigate the possibility of a 'Subhash Kapoor-style' scam involving international antiquities smuggling. VSSC was tasked to conduct a scientific investigation.