Sabarimala gold loss probe: sample collection enters second day

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday continued its sample collection for scientific analysis at the Sabarimala temple as part of the probe into the alleged loss of gold from artefacts at the temple, police sources said.

The SIT, led by Superintendent of Police S. Sasidharan, reached Sabarimala and began collecting samples from various artefacts at the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) on Thursday evening.

According to police sources, the officials assisting the SIT removed the gold-plated covering from the artefacts in a portion of the Sreekovil on Thursday. The remaining gold-plated coverings at the Sreekovil were removed on Friday as part of the sample collection process.

HC permission

The SIT is looking to complete the sample collection procedure on Friday and reinstall the gold covering soon, sources said. The Ayyappa temple is currently open for the monthly puja and will close on the night of February 17. The SIT decided to collect fresh samples for scientific analysis after being granted permission by the Kerala High Court on Monday.

The SIT is probing two cases related to the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates and the doorframes of the Sreekovil.