The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has stepped up its scientific examination at the sanctum sanctorum of the revered Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple. The move aims to secure clearer forensic evidence regarding the alleged gold theft.
Led by SP S. Sashidharan, the SIT began collecting fresh samples on Thursday evening after the temple doors opened at 5 pm. Samples were carefully gathered from key structural points inside the sanctum, including the Dwarapalaka panels, door frames, and pillars on the southern, northern and northeastern sides. Officials confirmed that the collection process will continue on Friday and Saturday after the temple closes for the day.
The 15-member investigative team includes gold assessment experts from the Legal Metrology Department, underscoring the technical seriousness of the probe. The collected samples will be sent to the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai for advanced scientific analysis. Authorities plan to use sophisticated techniques such as X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP), and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to determine the composition, quantity, and age of the gold involved.
Earlier samples collected on November 16, 2025, when the temple opened for the season, were analysed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. However, investigators found the results insufficient to precisely determine the gold’s age and exact measurement. Following this assessment, and with the approval of the High Court, authorities have now initiated fresh sample collection to ensure a more conclusive and scientifically robust investigation.
