The Kerala High Court on Monday made strong observations in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, noting that a systematic and methodical process was involved in the diversion of gold from the Dwarapalaka idols and door frames of the Sabarimala temple.
After examining the comprehensive progress report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the case, along with the chemical analysis report prepared by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the court observed: “On examining the summary of the chemical analysis, we find that the apprehensions earlier expressed by this Court stand prima facie reinforced. These analysis reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of the alleged tampering and substitution, but also provide critical evidentiary pointers for correlating past transactions with subsequent activities.”
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K. V. Jayakumar said that the court’s apprehensions regarding misappropriation were confirmed by the scientific findings.
As per the court’s earlier directions, samples collected from the original plates were sent to the VSSC for scientific examination to ascertain the quantity of gold used for cladding in 1998 and for the subsequent plating carried out in 2019. The tests were also aimed at verifying whether copper plates had been swapped or tampered with, and whether the original gold-clad plates had been removed and substituted with freshly plated components.
Referring to the analysis report, the court noted that the original gold-clad plates showed no presence of nickel or acrylic polymer layers, whereas the subsequently plated copper plates revealed the presence of nickel, the absence of mercury, and the presence of acrylic polymer layers.
The court directed the SIT to record detailed statements from the VSSC officials who conducted the analysis and to comprehensively decode and correlate the scientific findings with the physical and documentary evidence already seized.
The High Court also granted permission to the SIT to visit Sabarimala on Tuesday and take measurements of the surface area of two doors in the storeroom to calculate the quantum of gold cladding on the door frames and Prabhamandalam plates.
The court further observed that although the investigation initially focused on the Dwarapalaka idols, it had gradually revealed multiple instances of misappropriation of temple property by those entrusted with its protection.
“What initially appeared to be routine administrative actions undertaken in purported good faith and in the ostensible interest of the deity has, upon closer scrutiny, opened a Pandora’s box and revealed prima facie indicators of organised pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables, allegedly facilitated with the active connivance and encouragement of individuals entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the deity’s assets,” the court said.
It added that what began as a limited probe had uncovered multiple layers of irregularities and a chain of transactions and administrative decisions which, prima facie, indicate that the issue is not confined to isolated or sporadic acts, but points towards a wider and entrenched pattern of misconduct.
“The investigation has, in effect, opened a hornet’s nest, bringing to light serious irregularities that had hitherto remained concealed and exposing several disturbing aspects that call for comprehensive and methodical scrutiny,” the court observed.