SIT submits progress report on Sabarimala gold theft before Kerala HC, granted six more weeks to complete probe

The Kerala High Court extended by six weeks the time frame it set for the special investigation team (SIT) to complete a probe into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple.

This followed a report submitted before the court on Wednesday by Sasidharan S., Superintendent of Police who is leading the probe team. He also sought more time to complete the probe.

After examining the report, a Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed that bearing in mind the scale, seriousness, and potential ramifications of the allegations under inquiry, the time sought by the investigating officer is justified and deserves to be granted. Having perused the report, the bench expressed its satisfaction with the manner in which it is presently being done. Having regard to the sensitive nature, breadth, and ramifications of the inquiry, the court said it found it inappropriate at this stage to place on record any detailed reference to the specific steps undertaken by the investigating agency.

Although the requisite samples were collected, analysis reports are awaited. The investigating officer submitted that the forensic analysis report is expected within a week.It is further submitted that the investigation into the transactions of 2018 and 2019 relating to the main door of the Sreekovil and those spanning 2014–2025 concerning the transportation to Chennai for the Dwarapalakas’ gold plating remains in its infancy, the court said.

The court further deemed it necessary to direct that the investigation shall be carried out with utmost meticulousness, heightened diligence and by scrupulous adherence to every legal requirement, leaving no aspect unattended or unexamined.

Should the investigating agency, in the course of the probe, stumble upon any facet, transaction, or material circumstance hitherto unnoticed or undiscovered, the same shall be forthwith brought to the court’s notice by filing an appropriate report. This direction has become imperative, as the subject matter of the investigation concerns valuables and properties belonging to Ayyappa, and it is the duty of this court to ensure that such sacred property is duly protected and safeguarded, it added.

The matter has been posted for hearing on January 5, 2026.