Confusion in VSSC report; Samples of gold-coated plates in Sabarimala will be sent to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

PATHANAMTHITTA: Samples of the gold-coated plates at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple are likely to be sent to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for further examination. The samples were initially tested at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The report submitted by VSSC to the Kollam Vigilance Court was later handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

An investigation progress report was also filed before the High Court. After reviewing the findings, the court raised certain concerns. As VSSC was unable to provide clear explanations to the court’s queries, it was decided to seek advanced testing at BARC. The High Court’s permission is required to proceed with this step.

In its report to be submitted today, the SIT will seek approval to send the samples to BARC. The team will also inform the court about the estimated quantity of gold suspected to be missing and the need for further investigation.

The confusion in the VSSC report centres on whether the original gold-coated copper plates were completely removed and replaced with new ones. The report does not provide a clear conclusion on this issue. In 1998, the UB Group had used mercury to gold-plate the copper plates of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. However, the examination found that traces of mercury were absent in some of the plates. Sources said fresh samples are expected to be collected after the temple reopens next week for the monthly pooja.