Written by Shaju PhilipThiruvanananthapuram | January 20, 2026 07:39 AM IST 3 min readAfter examining the chemical analysis report of gold samples taken from Sabarimala temple items, the Kerala High Court on Monday said “the apprehensions earlier expressed by this court stand prima facie reinforced”.A special investigation team (SIT) formed on the orders of the court is probing allegations that already gold-clad items from the Sabarimala temple in Kerala were taken out of the temple by the main accused in the case, Unnikrishnan Potty, for another round of gold-plating, and that when the items were returned, existing gold was missing from them.The Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar said the analysis reports not only disclose the manner and modus operandi of the alleged tampering and substitution, but also provide critical pointers for correlating past transactions with subsequent activities.Calling for a deeper probe in the light of the scientific findings and fresh revelations, the court said, “What initially appeared to be routine administrative actions undertaken ostensibly in the interest of the deity has, upon closer scrutiny, revealed indicators of organised pilferage and misappropriation of sacred temple valuables, allegedly facilitated with the active connivance and encouragement of individuals who were entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the assets and valuables of the deity.”The SIT had collected samples from various gold plates, which were analysed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The aim was to ascertain the quantum of gold that was put on temple items in 1998, when the items were first gold-plated. It also looked at the quantity of gold used for subsequent plating in 2019, and whether the original gold-clad plates were removed and substituted with freshly plated components. Scientific tests were also conducted to verify whether copper plates were swapped or tampered with.Referring to the VSSC report, the court said, “The absence of nickel and acrylic polymer layers in the original gold-clad plates, the presence of nickel, the 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 indicate a systematic and methodical process by which the alleged offence appears to have been executed.”The SIT said 11 persons have been arrested so far in two cases connected to the gold theft scandal. It also said that the possible involvement of another three persons is under scrutiny in one case and that the roles of two others are under probe in the second case.The court will hear the matter again on February 2.Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:SabarimalaSabarimala temple