Sabarimala Temple Gold Mystery: SIT Conducts Forensic Tests Amid Tight Security
Image Source: Internet
In a bid to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of gold from Sabarimala temple, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted scientific tests on the gold-clad plates on Monday. The Kerala High Court had directed the SIT to weigh the plates and collect samples for forensic analysis. The SIT, led by Deputy SP S Sasidharan, removed several gold-clad plates from the temple's sreekovil for examination. The procedure, which began at 1.15 pm and continued till 3 pm, was videographed and photographed. The team included forensic experts and chemical analysts, along with police personnel. The plates were removed from the side pillars, pedestals of the 'dwarapalaka' idols, and door frames of the sreekovil. Their weight was recorded, and samples were collected for analysis. Sources said the plates will be reinstalled soon after the procedure. The SIT is probing two cases related to the loss of gold from the 'dwarapalaka' plates and the sreekovil door-frame plates. Apart from the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti, who sponsored the electroplating, former TDB president N Vasu and three officials who served at Sabarimala in 2019 have also been arrested in the case. The SIT had sought court permission to conduct a scientific examination of the 'dwarapalaka' idol plates to determine the extent of gold loss following their electroplating in 2019. The court had directed the SIT to collect samples of the gold cladding to assess purity and quality, measure the surface area of the plates, and gather copper samples from the plates and door frames.
