No need for CBI probe in Sabarimala gold theft case: HC

Stating that the Special Investigation Team was carrying out a satisfactory probe in the case pertaining to the misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple, the Kerala High Court orally observed there was no need for a CBI probe into the matter. 

Moreover, the probe is being done under High Court supervision, the court said, hearing a batch of petitions seeking a CBI probe in the case. Everybody knows that the idols and door frames of the temple were gold-clad (in 1999). A probe is being carried out at two labs (to assess the quantum of gold) and it requires time. A report is awaited in a week. 

“It is hoped there will be more transparency in such matters, since the temple accounts are in the process of being digitised. Everything will thus be audited, including human resources and the sale proceeds of prasadam,” the court said. 

On February 9, the High Court had observed that advanced forensic and metallurgical examination was essential to establish the allegations of theft of gold from the Dwarapalakas and the temple door frames.  Subsequently, 36 samples collected by the SIT as part of the probe into the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple had been taken to the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur for scientific examination.