Turning point in Sabarimala robbery: Nickel and acrylic polymer instead of gold

KOCHI: The VSSC's scientific examination report has found that the gold plating taken from Sabarimala was mixed with nickel metal when it was returned. Nickel is a shiny metal with a slight golden color. The layers taken away had traces of mercury used to glue it. There was no trace of mercury in the layers returned. In addition to nickel, acrylic polymer was mixed in a significant amount.

The SIT report says that the extent of the gold theft can be understood by comparing the thickness of the old pure gold layer and the current amount of nickel acrylic polymer. This is also an indication of how well-planned the robbery was. It is an indication that there is a big conspiracy behind it. The suspicion that there is a big racket behind it is growing. The report also contains crucial indications of the change in gold in the years 2024-2025.

The Devaswom bench, comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and KV Jayakumar, said that prima facie the concerns expressed by the court earlier are correct. The court said that it is not disclosing more details considering the emotional nature of the case and the indication that more people are involved. It will be considered on February 9.

The court has directed that all the evidence seized be subjected to a comprehensive examination. The court has directed the SIT to record detailed statements of the scientists at the VSSC. Eleven of the sixteen accused in the case related to the plates of the Dwarpalaka sculptures have been arrested. Including them, there are 13 accused in the Kattilepalli (Gold Door Frame) case. The SIT said that it is investigating whether three more people are involved. It is highly likely that more people are involved. The SIT collected samples from the gold frames as per the court's order and sent them to the VSSC on November 17 and 18.

Investigation to take to higher levels

Further investigation will be conducted regarding the Dwarpalaka sculptures and the demolition of the old flagpole. More witnesses will be questioned. Files, administrative records and other documents are being examined.

202 witness statements

So far, 202 witness statements have been recorded. Recording of statements of more people is in progress. The information about the real estate properties acquired by the main accused in the past will also be examined. Some clues have been found. The bank accounts of some have been frozen.

Best lab in the world

The VSSC lab, which tests metal alloys that can be used in rockets, is at the forefront of world standards.

It can identify what chemicals are present in an object and in what quantities. It can also accurately determine when and how they were added to it, and if any substance has been separated.