Overview
- An SIT report to the Kerala High Court says gold was removed from multiple sanctum-related structures, including plates at the Prabha Mandalam and motifs on the Shiva and Vyali figures, indicating an organised operation.
- The investigation traces processing to Smart Creations in Chennai, where plating was chemically separated; accused Pankaj Bhandari produced 109.243 g of gold and jeweller Govardhan Roddam 474.960 g, which the SIT says is less than expected.
- The SIT has sought custody of prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty, Smart Creations CEO Bhandari, and Roddam, and has arrested 10 people so far, including former Travancore Devaswom Board officials and CPI(M) leaders.
- VSSC scientists have been asked to help quantify the plating on temple artefacts, and results of the scientific analysis are awaited.
- Political contention has intensified as the Chief Minister rejects a CBI handover and denies interference, the Congress-led opposition alleges pressure on the SIT, and BJP leader K. Surendran now demands a Central agency probe.