PATHANAMTHITTA: The gold-plated sheets of the Dwarapalaka idols in Sabarimala, taken to Chennai for maintenance work, were brought back. It was brought to Sabarimala last night. The decision is to get permission from the court and re-install the sheets. The sheets will be kept in the strong room until permission is obtained. Taking the sheets installed in 2019 without court’s permission had stoked a big controversy.

Meantime, the Kerala High Court has ordered a detailed investigation into the weight loss of the gold-plated sheets. The court has asked the devaswom vigilance to submit an investigation report within three weeks. The court has directed the devaswom board to cooperate in the investigation. It has also been directed to check whether the support pedestals of the Dwarapalaka idols are in the strong room.

The observation of the high court devaswom bench was while considering the case related to the gold-plated sheets on Wednesday. When the sheets were taken to Chennai for gold plating in 2019, they weighed 42 kilograms. When they were brought back, the weight of the gold sheets was found to be four kilograms less, the court observed. The devaswom chief security officer presented the information directly on behalf of the Devaswom.

The devaswom chief security officer had informed the court about the properties in Sabarimala. The court raised doubts when it examined these documents. The high court also asked why the weight was not checked when the gold plates were brought to Sabarimala.

Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty had made crucial revelations in the gold plates controversy. He said that another pedestal was made for the Dwarapalaka idols. 'A second pedestal was made for the sculptures. The pedestal was made using three sovereigns of gold. When the color of the original pedestals faded, a new one was made. However, the Devaswom informed that there was a difference in the weight. Since it was given as an offering, it was not asked for back. It was thought that the pedestal would be in the strong room. However, it is not clear where the pedestal is now. When it was taken for maintenance, was asked for the pedestal. No reply ws obtained. Let the vigilance investigation be conducted,' he said.