The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a scientific probe into the alleged gold-plating irregularities at the Sabarimala temple.
The court directed the SIT to collect gold samples from multiple locations and determine the quantity of gold lost or misappropriated during temple renovation works.
The court also permitted the examination of the newly installed sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) door amid suspicions of large-scale fraud during its replacement.
The directive came after the SIT submitted its latest progress report before the bench.
During the hearing, the court noted serious irregularities against contractor Unnikrishnan Potti. It said TDB officials reportedly gave him undue freedom during the gold-plating project.
The bench noted that several officials had allegedly supported Potti in multiple transactions. It said such conduct raised grave concerns about transparency and accountability within the TDB.
“The investigation must reach everyone involved in the gold theft, directly or indirectly,” the court stated, emphasising that the TDB’s primary duty was to protect the deity’s property.
The High Court directed the SIT to examine if TDB officials violated the Prevention of Corruption Act. This directive widened the scope of the investigation.
The alleged irregularities involve gold plating of the temple’s sanctum doors and other structures as part of renovation efforts.
The controversy erupted when the quantity of gold used did not match official records, sparking suspicions of large-scale misappropriation.
The SIT, led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkitesh, has already arrested three individuals: contractor Potti, serving TDB official Murari Babu, and former official Sudheesh Kumar.
On Monday, the team questioned former TDB president and two-term commissioner N Vasu.
Investigators identified him as a CPI(M) sympathiser and a close aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The High Court directed the SIT to examine whether TDB officials violated the Prevention of Corruption Act. This directive widened the scope of the investigation.
The coming days may prove decisive, as the SIT is expected to summon more CPI(M)-linked leaders, including former TDB presidents A Padmakumar and Ananthagopan, along with the current chief, PS Prasanth.
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