Thiruvananthapuram: Special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged gold theft case at Sabarimala on Sunday carried out a fresh inspection at Sannidhanam with the assistance of a team of experts, following special permission granted by high court.The inspection was conducted after concerns were raised that experts were not present when samples were collected during an earlier round of evidence gathering. Acting on high court’s directives, the SIT returned to the temple with specialists to ensure greater accuracy and scientific scrutiny of evidence. The fresh examination coincided with the opening of the temple for Mithunam monthly pujas.The team examined temple’s prabhamandalam and lower portion of the gold-plated kattalappadi structure after carefully removing sections of gold plating. Sources said no fresh samples were expected to be collected during the exercise. Instead, SIT planned to conduct detailed examinations on-site in the presence of experts after removing the gold sheets, in line with high court directives.The inspection began soon after the temple opened around 5am. Officials are understood to have chosen the temple opening period for the exercise as carrying out such an inspection at any other time would have posed significant practical difficulties. The temple will remain open until Friday night.
