Monday’s Kerala High Court hearing on the Sabarimala sanctum gold controversy painted a picture of deliberate desecration. The division bench condemned the affair as a schemed siphoning of divine wealth, with inspection dossiers labeled critically worrisome. Suspicions loomed large: were the protectors the plotters?
Probe revelations uncovered widespread fiddling in gold fixtures, including sanctum door panels. VSSC’s early analysis intensified replacement hypotheses for genuine plates. Rigorous lab tests must verify antiquity versus novelty, the court directed.
SIT got the go-ahead for January 20 recheck, with powers to measure and dissect gold-adorned doors, panels, and relics precisely. Each plate faces scientific age and integrity scrutiny.
VSSC personnel’s in-depth statements are ordered, their report’s tech jargon demanding decoding. Expert reinforcements okayed for SIT. Crime mechanics scientifically locked, but details embargoed for probe purity.
This orchestrated blueprint transcends simple steal, heralding methodical Devaswom asset stripping, the bench warned. Chilling prospect: custodians as culprits.
Thirteen accused in custody; arrests brewing. Melted gold hunt and account freezes target black money. February 9 next in court.