Sabarimala gold theft: VSCC report confirms gold substitution and tampering
The main objective of the scientific examination is to ascertain the precise quantum of gold originally cladded in the year 1998, the quantity of gold used for subsequent plating in 2019, and whether the original gold-cladded plates were removed and substituted with freshly plated components.
Sabarimala: After days of ambiguity over the gold tampering that was done in Sabarimala, the chemical analysis report of samples from various gold plates submitted by the VSCC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) scientists has confirmed tampering and substitution of gold in the Sabarimala temple, the HC bench quoting the summary of the scientific examination report noted in its interim order.
The main objective of the scientific examination is to ascertain the precise quantum of gold originally cladded in the year 1998, the quantity of gold used for subsequent plating in 2019, and whether the original gold-cladded plates were removed and substituted with freshly plated components.
The Special Investigation Team collected samples from various gold plates on November 17 and 18, 2025 and the same was forwarded for analysis to the VSCC. The scientific examination report prepared by the VSSC was submitted before the jurisdictional court on January 14, 2026.
The High court has directed the SIT to collect statements and details from the VSCC scientists and forensic experts since the findings are highly technical in nature. The HC observed that the absence of nickel and acrylic polymer layers in the original gold-clad plates, the presence of nickel, absence of mercury and the presence of acrylic polymer layers in the subsequently plated copper-plates, together with the comparative thickness of the gold and nickel layers, clearly a systematic and methodical process by which the alleged offence appears to have been executed.
The SIT has today informed the court that five more persons have been suspected to have involved in the two cases related to the misappropriation of gold from the Dwarapalika and the temple door frames. Eleven people have been so far arrested in both the cases.