SIT To Broaden Scope Of Probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a scientific examination to determine the actual weight of gold-plated idols before and after restoration.

The SIT submitted its second progress report to the Supreme Court, highlighting significant irregularities in the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) minutes. According to the IT report, the registry does not document the transfer of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol to Unnikrishnan Potty in 2019. The report also states that there were no entries after July 28, 2025.

Also missing from the minutes are details about the transfer of gold plating to Smart Creations, the firm responsible for electroplating the gold-plated copper plating of the idols at the Sabarimala temple. The SIT sought permission from the court to conduct a scientific study to determine the actual weight of the gold-plated idols. The request was approved by the high court.

The Supreme Court allowed inspection of the newly installed sanctorum (Sreekovil) gate following suspicions of widespread fraud during its replacement. He also expanded the investigation by ordering the SIT to examine whether TDB officials could come under the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The SIT investigation, led by ADGP H Venkitesh, has led to the arrest of three persons so far: Unnikrishnan Potty, Murari Babu and former official Sudheesh Kumar.

Two days ago, the SIT had interrogated former TDB chairman and two-term commissioner N Vasu in connection with the gold scam. However, the SIT is yet to arrest Vasu or register a separate FIR against him.