Kochi

The Kerala High Court on Monday expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged heist and misappropriation of gold cladding from the Dwarapalakas and other structures of the Sabarimala Sreekovil, granting the team an additional six weeks to complete the investigation.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar was hearing a suo motu writ petition initiated in connection with the alleged removal of gold from the temple.

During the hearing, ADGP (Law and Order) H Venkatesh, who heads the SIT, Investigating Officer S Sasidharan, IPS, and the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of the Travancore Devaswom Board appeared in person and submitted a detailed status report.

According to the SIT, Crime No. 3700 of 2025 pertains to the removal of gold from Dwarapalaka idol plates and side pillar plates, with 15 accused named and nine arrested. Crime No. 3701 of 2025 relates to the removal of gold cladding from the side frames of the Sreekovil doors, in which nine of the 12 accused have been arrested.

The SIT informed the Court that 181 witnesses have been examined so far. The probe spans events from 1998, when gold cladding was first carried out by the UB Group, to September 2025, when the Dwarapalakas were sent for gold plating. The investigation has been divided into four phases, covering gold cladding, replacement of doors in 2019, removal of gold-clad plates, and gold plating-related transactions in 2025.

The Court noted that the SIT has conducted extensive analysis of call data records, seized mobile phones for forensic examination, scrutinised bank accounts for suspicious transactions, and collected documents to assess disproportionate assets. Samples from original plates at Sannidhanam have also been sent to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to determine the original quantity of gold used and whether replacements occurred.

Observing that the investigation is being conducted in a professional and thorough manner, the Bench said it was satisfied that no stone was being left unturned. The Court also cautioned against speculative and unfounded media reports, noting that “trial by media” could undermine the integrity of an investigation under judicial supervision.

Reiterating that court monitoring was intended only to ensure a fair, impartial and effective probe, the Bench directed the SIT to continue its investigation fearlessly and permitted the SIT chief to co-opt additional officers of “the highest integrity,” subject to informing the Court.

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Considering the complexity of the case and the voluminous records involved, the High Court granted a six-week extension and posted the matter for further hearing on January 19, 2026.