Fresh scientific findings have brought clarity to the Sabarimala gold theft case, revealing that the sanctum door panels were not replaced but had gold stripped from copper-plated sheets. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Kerala High Court were presented with these findings, dispelling rumors of wholesale fixture replacements or involvement in international rackets. Scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO – VSSC) confirmed that the current panels at Sabarimala are the original copper sheets.
Tests conducted by the scientists verified that the stolen material was gold layered over copper, contrary to previous speculations of solid gold panels. The wooden framework of the sanctum door, known as the kattill locally, was also confirmed to be original. Samples taken from removed and reinstalled sheets showed a significant reduction in gold content, indicating that the gold had been stripped while leaving the base copper intact.
The visible alterations in the panels were attributed to chemical reactions rather than physical replacement, as explained by VSSC scientists. The application of mercury and related chemical solutions, typical in gold extraction processes, caused changes in the chemical composition of the sheets. The scientists clarified that there is no scientific evidence supporting the theory of original sheets being replaced with new ones.
The SIT informed the High Court about ongoing analysis, including comparative testing of samples from the old sanctum door. VSSC officials mentioned that a final report incorporating these comparative results will be submitted soon. The scientific testimony is expected to guide the investigation towards understanding the gold theft mechanics and identifying those responsible for the chemical extraction without altering the sanctum’s core structures.
