KOCHI: The Kerala High Court unleashed sharp criticism on Monday against the suspected gold pilferage at Lord Ayyappa’s Sabarimala sanctum, terming it a blueprint for organized looting of sacred assets. During hearings on related petitions, the division bench flagged existing inspection reports as ‘serious and disturbing,’ questioning if security overseers were the masterminds behind the breach.
Massive manipulations surfaced in gold applications, encompassing gold-overlaid door panels. Referencing VSSC’s initial findings, the court bolstered fears of substituted original plates. Scientific tests are imperative to determine the plates’ vintage, it ruled.
The bench instructed the SIT for a re-inspection on January 20, authorizing meticulous scrutiny and sizing of sanctum doors, panels, and gold fixtures, extending to antique doors. A comprehensive scientific appraisal of each plate’s age and purity was mandated.
VSSC inspectors must furnish elaborate affidavits, given the report’s technical complexity needing elaboration. Additional expert assistance was greenlit for the SIT. The crime’s methodology is scientifically confirmed, yet technical specifics remain sealed to safeguard the investigation.
The court characterized record evidence as pointing to premeditated, structured action—far beyond ordinary theft, signaling a calculated assault on Devaswom holdings. It expressed profound unease that those responsible for protection might be perpetrators.
Updating the court, SIT revealed 13 suspects under judicial remand, potential further detentions ahead. Tracing melted gold continues, with frozen bank accounts aiding in uncovering laundered assets. Proceedings resume on February 9.
