Kochi, Kerala – The Kerala High Court has cleared a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to test gold samples from the Sabarimala temple and look into the door of the new sanctum sanctorum. The move comes after the court heard the SIT’s latest progress report and flagged serious irregularities in the temple’s renovations.
### SIT to Collect Gold Samples
The court approved the SIT’s request to gather gold shards from different sites inside the temple complex. The goal is to calculate exactly how much gold may have gone missing or been misappropriated during the recent gold‑plating work. In addition, investigators will examine the freshly installed sanctum door that many people suspect was tampered with for fraud.
### Allegations Against Contractor and Board Officials
The hearing focused on contractor Unnikrishnan Potti, who handled the gold‑plating project. Witnesses claimed that Potti was given excessive freedom by Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) staff while performing the job. According to the bench, several board officers allegedly backed Potti in transactions that raised serious concerns about the board’s oversight and accountability.
“Everyone who was part of the gold theft—directly or indirectly—must be investigated,” the court stressed. It reminded the TDB that its top priority is protecting the temple’s property.
### Expanding the Probe Under the Corruption Act
The court also told the SIT it can investigate whether TDB officials fall under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This broadens the scope of the case and could bring additional board members into scrutiny.
### Background of the Gold‑Plating Scandal
The controversy began when the amount of gold used in the temple’s renovations didn’t match official records, sparking fears of large‑scale misappropriation. The investigation, led by Additional Director General of Police H. Venkitesh, has already led to the arrest of three people: contractor Potti, TDB officer Murari Babu, and ex‑officer Sudheesh Kumar.
### Political Fallout
Political backlash has been swift. The Congress party has demanded that Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan resign and questioned former TDB president N. Vasu, a close aide of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ruling party faces pressure from several CPI(M) members, and the SIT may soon summon former TDB presidents A. Padmakumar and Ananthagopan, as well as current chief P.S. Prasanth.
### What Happens Next?
The coming days will be critical. The SIT may call more leaders linked to the CPI(M) to testify. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court’s decision keeps the investigation moving forward with a clear mandate to uncover the truth about the temple’s gold plating and any misdeeds involved.
Source: ianslive
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