A major investigation into gold theft from Kerala’s famous Sabarimala temple has found that far more gold is missing than first thought. The special team (SIT) looking into the case told a court that the theft is not limited to just two places.
Originally, the probe started looking into missing gold from two “Dwarapalaka” guardian idols and the main temple door. But the SIT’s latest report states that gold has also been taken from seven sacred copper plates inside the temple. These plates cover important idols and decorative structures.
According to the Indian Express report, The investigation claims the stolen gold was carefully removed using chemicals at a workshop in Chennai. It is now allegedly with a jeweler based in Bellary.
So far, ten people have been arrested, including three local political leaders from the CPI(M) party. The SIT has asked the court for custody of three key suspects among those arrested.
To find out exactly how much gold is gone, the probe team has asked scientists from ISRO’s center in Thiruvananthapuram for help. They will test samples from the gold-plated items in the temple.
The Kerala High Court ordered this deep investigation last October after concerns were raised about the safety of the temple’s treasures. This new discovery of more missing gold is likely to increase pressure on the state’s ruling government.
