Thiruvananthapuram (Gurpreet Singh): Kerala’s State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar on Saturday announced that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the alleged gold loss at Sabarimala has almost wrapped up its work, with the probe progressing in an orderly manner.
Speaking to the media, the Director General of Police said the investigation is being carried out under the close watch of the Kerala High Court, which is overseeing the proceedings to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to Chandrasekhar, the SIT has conducted a thorough inquiry and is now in the final phase of completing its findings.
Allegations Linked to Temple Gold Replating
The case concerns the suspected misappropriation of gold during the replating of ornaments and fixtures at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Specifically, the investigation focuses on gold used for cladding the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum. Questions were raised after discrepancies were noticed following the replating work.
The SIT, constituted under court directions, has so far arrested 12 individuals in connection with the case. Those taken into custody include the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potty, as well as two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board, the statutory body responsible for administering the temple.
Officials indicated that the investigation is nearing its conclusion, and further legal steps will be taken based on the final report submitted to the court.
