The Special Investigation Team (SIT) suspects that more gold was stolen during the Sabarimala temple renovation than what has been recovered so far. The SIT revealed this while seeking custody of three accused from the Kollam Vigilance Court.
According to the SIT, authorities handed over gold-plated copper sheets to Smart Creations in 2019 for electroplating. The total weight of these sheets was 42.100 kg. After completing the plating process, the accused allegedly misappropriated the remaining gold.
Investigators found that workers removed gold-plated sheets from the Dwarapalaka idols and two nearby pillars. They also removed seven sheets from the sanctum sanctorum entrance and re-plated them with gold. The SIT informed the court that two of these sheets had engravings of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
The SIT further stated that accused Govardhan revealed key details during questioning. He said Unnikrishnan Potti gave him 474.90 grams of gold after the electroplating process. Govardhan later handed over this gold to the SIT.
Investigators also discovered that the gold-plated copper sheets on the Dwarapalaka idols originally contained more gold than earlier estimates suggested. Based on these findings, the SIT believes the total stolen gold could be higher.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan Questions Opposition Claims
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded to allegations raised by opposition leaders. He questioned how the accused who stole the gold and the person who bought it could meet Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
The Chief Minister clarified that the Kerala High Court is monitoring the investigation. He denied claims of interference from his office. He also stated that no complaints have been raised so far about the SIT probe.
For more latest updates, click here.
