The mystery enveloping the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala Temple deepens with ISRO’s authoritative probe. Scientists at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre affirm: no panel swaps occurred; culprits chemically removed gold plating from authentic copper bases in the sanctum door.
This pivotal report, relayed through the SIT to Kerala High Court on Wednesday, evaporates rumors of pilfered solid gold or engineered replicas. The kattil wooden framework and copper sheets are unequivocally original, marred only by the heist’s chemical footprint.
Employing cutting-edge analysis, experts traced the depletion to mercury-infused solvents that selectively dissolve gold leaves. Resulting patina and compositional shifts fooled initial observers into believing replacements were at play.
Lacking any trace of forgery, the evidence redirects the SIT toward forensic pursuit of the stripping technique’s masters. Comparative studies on legacy samples continue, heralding VSSC’s exhaustive dossier.
For a temple synonymous with devotion, this clarification mitigates panic while intensifying calls for accountability. It underscores vulnerabilities in sacred custodianship, setting the stage for revelations that could safeguard Sabarimala’s treasures indefinitely.