Overview
- The Crime Branch SIT will collect samples on November 17 after the Ucha puja, with work slated to begin once the temple closes at 1 pm.
- The Kerala High Court authorized the scientific inspection on November 5, and the Thantri granted ritual permission following a formal request routed through the Travancore Devaswom Board.
- Sampling will target gold-plated panels on the Dwarapalaka idols, their pedestals, and the sanctum door frames, including sections donated by Vijay Mallya in 1998.
- Investigators will weigh plates, measure surface areas, and analyze gold and copper samples using conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure tests to assess quality and composition.
- The SIT is preparing to invoke the Prevention of Corruption Act, a move that could bring current and former Devaswom Board officials and political appointees under the probe.