Sabarimala Gold Theft Probe Nears End, SIT To File Final Report
SIT nears final report in Sabarimala gold theft probe.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has informed the Kerala High Court that the investigation is nearing completion and that the final report will be submitted before September 25. The probe began nearly 11 months ago and covers allegations linked to gold-clad structures and the Dwarapalaka idol at the Sabarimala temple.
SIT chief S Sasidharan told the court that the investigation into the Kattillappali, or gold-clad door frame, case has been completed. The probe into the Dwarapalaka idol case is also in its final stage, with the team awaiting the results of certain scientific examinations. These findings will be incorporated into the final report before it is submitted to the trial court.
The Kerala High Court's Devaswom Bench expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the SIT but stressed that there should be no further delay in filing the final report. The court's observation came as the investigation approaches the 11-month mark, following sustained scrutiny over the time taken to complete the probe and proceed with the related legal action.
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The issue of the delayed investigation had also drawn attention from Devaswom minister K Muraleedharan in July. He had noted that arrests alone could not constitute a chargesheet and indicated that he would convey his displeasure to the court if the final report was not filed. The latest SIT submission now sets a September 25 deadline for completion of the remaining formalities.
Meanwhile, former Travancore Devaswom Board president PS Prasanth has secured bail on medical grounds from a vigilance court in a related case involving the Dwarapalaka idol. Prasanth, who was arrested in connection with the case, is expected to walk out of jail after 43 days in custody.
The case concerns the Dwarapalaka idol being taken to Chennai in 2025 without court permission. According to the SIT's case, there was an alleged deliberate attempt under Prasanth's leadership to conceal the suspected gold theft that took place in 2019. The final report is expected to provide the investigating team's findings on the various allegations and evidence gathered during the nearly year-long probe.
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