Thiruvananthapuram: A scientific examination conducted at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has confirmed that gold theft took place at Sabarimala. The report found a significant reduction in the quantity of gold in the Kattilapalli (Door frame) and Dwarapalaka sculptures that were returned after being taken away by Unnikrishnan for gold plating. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to submit the report to the High Court today. The court’s stance is expected to be decisive, and there is a strong possibility that the scope of the investigation will be expanded.
According to the findings, the original gold layers contained pure gold imported from Switzerland by Vijay Mallya. In contrast, the layers on the sculptures returned after plating by Unnikrishnan were found to contain low-quality gold. A significant decrease in overall weight was also detected. A total of 15 samples were tested as part of the examination.
The VSSC report was prepared through a detailed comparative study between two sets of gold layers that those preserved by Vijay Mallya’s UB Group in 1998 without any alteration to the original gold plating, and those that were returned after being re-plated with so-called potted gold. This comparison clearly established discrepancies in both purity and quantity. The examination used state-of-the-art technology capable of accurately determining the composition and weight of old gold plating without causing any disturbance to the artefacts. The inspection report, which was submitted by the VSSC in a sealed cover to the Vigilance Court on Friday, was handed over to the Special Investigation Team by the court the other day.
Based on its detailed study of the report, the SIT will now submit a comprehensive report, including a valuation of the loss, to the High Court. SIT chief ADGP H. Venkatesh is likely to appear in person before the court to explain the findings and the next course of action.
The suspicion that Unnikrishnan potty removed valuable Ayyappa relics from Sabarimala and sold them in the international market has now been significantly strengthened. Investigators believe that he may have created new moulds with the help of manufacturers to produce similar-looking relics, plated them with gold, and returned them in place of the originals. Antiquities are believed to be worth up to ten times more than gold in the international market. If this aspect has been mentioned in the VSSC report, the total extent of the loot could turn out to be enormous.
High Court approval raises questions over SIT action in Dwaja Sthambham case
Meanwhile, the SIT has adopted a cautious stance after it became clear that the Vaji Vahana (Horse idol) on the old Dwaja sthambham (flagpole) at Sabarimala had been handed over to Tantri Kantar Rajeevar with the knowledge of the High Court. A decision on whether to register a case in this matter will be taken only after the court’s verdict is known. The SIT was also left uncertain after documents surfaced showing that the High Court had approved the report submitted by the then Advocate Commissioner regarding the relocation of the dwaja sthambham in 2017. The Advocate Commissioner’s report states that the transfer of the idol to the Tantri was carried out in accordance with traditional customs and that all steps were taken with the knowledge of the High Court. This information had been conveyed to the High Court in March 2017.
The High Court had formally approved the transfer of the idol. The report also praised the work of the Advocate Commissioner. It further stated that the dwaja sthambham, along with the eight scepters, was moved to the strongroom. This process was carried out in the presence of the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner and the Administrative Officer. The Advocate Commissioner’s report also noted that the items were removed after sealing the Sannidhanam in a strongroom. Despite this, the SIT had seized the idol from the Tantri’s house while the High Court order in this regard was still pending.
Secretariat march for CBI probe today
The Sabarimala Karma Samithi will hold a protest march and dharna in front of the Thiruvananthapuram Secretariat today, demanding a CBI investigation into the Sabarimala gold case. The protest will be inaugurated by Vishwa Hindu Parishad International President Alok Kumar at 10 am. The Sabarimala Karma Samithi is a joint committee comprising the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi, Hindu Aikya Vedi, and Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam. Organisers said the agitation is aimed at pressing for a transparent, independent probe into the gold theft and the handling of sacred relics linked to the Sabarimala mandir.
