Sabarimala gold theft case: CSIR-NML submits forensic report to vigilance court, investigators

A forensic report by the National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) in Jamshedpur has confirmed the theft of a substantial amount of gold from the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple. According to officials, the laboratory has analyzed a batch of more than 30 samples extracted from the doorpost of the sanctum sanctorum (Kattilappali) temple, while the results of the next batch are awaited.

However, getting definitive answers from the current document remains a challenge for investigators due to its highly technical nature. Officials noted that the report is written in dense, specialized scientific terminology, similar to a complex forensic autopsy. As the paper focuses exclusively on raw scientific values ​​and elemental profiles, the assistance of metallurgical experts will be sought.

“To ensure complete clarity, the SIT will need to employ experts to make the document understandable. Deciphering these precise scientific metrics is essential to determine the exact extent of gold plating removed, the actual weight of gold stolen and whether any copper structure has been altered. Also, the secondary batch of samples sent to the lab is still awaiting final testing and another official report is expected to be released.

A highly confidential forensic report has already been submitted to both the Kollam Vigilance Court and the investigating officers. The SIT is reportedly planning to comprehensively decode the scientific findings and inform the Kerala High Court about the exact mechanism of the theft.

The National Metallurgical Laboratory report is the most important piece of evidence for the prosecution, replacing suspicion with solid scientific evidence.

Published – 30 May 2026 20:50 IST