Thiruvananthapuram: Fresh scientific evidence has brought significant clarity to the much-discussed Sabarimala gold theft case, with experts confirming that the sanctum door panels were not replaced and that the crime involved the removal of gold from copper-plated sheets.
The findings, submitted by experts to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and presented before the Kerala High Court on Wednesday, dispel speculation that the sanctum fixtures were entirely replaced or smuggled out through international rackets.
Scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), part of ISRO, who carried out detailed material analysis, testified that the panels currently installed at the Sabarimala sanctum are the original copper sheets. Laboratory tests confirmed that the stolen material consisted of a thin layer of gold coated over copper, and not solid gold panels, as previously believed.
The testimony also established that the wooden framework of the sanctum door, locally known as the kattill, is original. However, samples taken from sheets that were removed and later reinstalled revealed a marked reduction in gold content, clearly indicating that the gold had been stripped while the copper base remained intact.
Addressing visible changes in the panels that had raised doubts earlier, VSSC scientists explained that these alterations resulted from chemical reactions rather than physical replacement. They stated that the use of mercury and other chemical solutions—commonly employed in gold extraction—led to changes in the chemical composition and surface appearance of the sheets.
The scientists clarified that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the original copper sheets were removed or replaced with new ones.
The SIT informed the High Court that further examinations are ongoing, including comparative analysis of samples taken from the old sanctum door. VSSC officials said a comprehensive final report, incorporating these results, will be submitted shortly.
The scientific testimony is expected to be crucial in steering the investigation towards understanding the method used to extract the gold and identifying those responsible, while confirming that the sanctum’s core structures were left unaltered.
With inputs from IANS