THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Recovering about half a kilogram of gold stolen from the Dwarapalaka sculptures and the door frame inside the sanctum of Sabarimala temple remains a major challenge for the Special Investigation Team. According to the statement of Pankaj Bhandari, CEO of Smart Creations in Chennai, gold was removed from the sheets delivered by Unnikrishnan Potty. Bhandari stated that after gold-plating the steps of the sanctum, the remaining 474.9 grams of gold were handed over to Unnikrishnan Potty. Finding this missing gold is proving difficult.

Crime Branch officials suspect that 14 pieces of gold-plated sheets taken from Sabarimala were cut and sold in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The panels were sent to Smart Creations in Chennai for gold plating after 39 days. Initially, the company’s managing director and lawyer claimed they were given only copper sheets. However, they changed their stance after being questioned by the Devaswom Vigilance. Investigators believe a mould was made from the old panel to create an identical new copper sheet, which was then gold-plated. There are also suspicions that the cut pieces were sold to wealthy devotees. Only a detailed investigation will reveal the full truth.

Register and record discrepancies

Following the High Court’s directions, the inspection of Sabarimala’s strong rooms began under the leadership of Amicus Curiae, retired Justice K.T. Sankaran. Reports suggest discrepancies between the registers, records, and stock lists. The inspection will continue tomorrow. Completing the examination of the sanctum’s items—including gold panels, platform, doors, and the sacred bed—may take more time.

Only after the inspection at Sabarimala and its strong room is complete will the probe move to the main strong room at Aranmula, which stores the Thanga Anki (golden attire) offered by the Travancore Maharaja, along with valuable ornaments and ritual items. A devotee has already lodged a complaint that some gold he donated is missing, causing anxiety among believers. Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan has reached the shrine as part of the investigation. Along with him, the Sabarimala Executive Officer, the Thiruvabharanam Special Commissioner, and a team including Smith—who arrived as per the direction of the amicus curiae—are verifying the authenticity of the worship materials.

Secretariat protest on 15th

Hindu Aikya Vedi and Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam have announced a protest at the State Secretariat on the 15th against the gold theft. Hindu Aikya Vedi State President R.V. Babu stated that the protest will be inaugurated by Kanyakumari Vellimalai Swami Chaithanyananda Maharaj.