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Kerala High Court Cites VSSC Findings, Orders Fresh Sabarimala Inspection in Suspected Gold Pilferage

Judges say the analysis reinforces fears of methodical substitution of gold-clad plates prompting a wider court-monitored probe.

Overview

  • The bench relied on a VSSC chemical report showing layer differences that indicate tampering and possible replacement of original gold-clad plates.
  • The SIT was authorised to conduct on-site measurements at Sabarimala on January 20 to calculate gold on door frames and related fittings.
  • Investigators were directed to record detailed depositions from VSSC scientists to interpret the technical findings and correlate them with seized evidence.
  • The court expanded lines of inquiry to transactions from 1998 and 2019 and to the 2017 Kodimaram replacement, with the seized Vajivahanam undergoing scrutiny.
  • A Kollam Vigilance Court will rule Tuesday on statutory bail for prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti in one case, as the High Court questioned the motives of a plea seeking a CBI probe while the SIT continues the court-supervised investigation.