Pathanamthitta (Kerala), February 13 The SIT conducted sample collection for scientific analysis for the second consecutive day at the Sabarimala temple as part of its investigation into the alleged loss of gold from artifacts at the hill shrine, police sources said.
The sample collection process is almost complete, and if any additional samples are required, they will be collected on Saturday, sources said.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by SP S Sasidharan, reached Sabarimala and began collecting samples from various artifacts in the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) on Thursday evening.
According to police sources, the officials assisting the SIT removed the gold-plated coverings from artifacts in a portion of the Sreekovil on Thursday.
The remaining gold-plated coverings at the Sreekovil and its doorframes were removed on Friday as part of the sample collection process.
The gold-plated coverings were later reinstalled in the evening, officials said.
The Lord Ayyappa temple is currently open for the monthly pooja and will close on the night of February 17.
The SIT decided to collect fresh samples for scientific analysis after being granted permission by the Kerala High Court on Monday.
The SIT is investigating two cases related to the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates and the doorframes of the Sreekovil.
The SIT had informed the court that it proposes to conduct X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) to determine surface elemental composition, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for ultra-trace impurity and elemental profiling, and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to analyse alloy composition and metallurgical uniformity.
Earlier, the SIT had collected similar samples last year for analysis at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, but the required facilities were not available there.
While granting permission, the Kerala High Court observed that allegations involving the removal and substitution of precious gold cladding from the holy shrine strike at the very sanctity of the temple and cannot rest solely on testimonial assertions or documentary records, which may be susceptible to omission, manipulation or interpretative dispute.
Meanwhile, SIT officials also reached the office and residence of Roddam Jewellery owner Govardhan in Bellary, Karnataka, on Friday.
SIT collected documents related to various bank transactions by Govardhan, officials said.
Govardhan, who was arrested by SIT, is currently lodged at a jail in Thiruvananthapuram.
SIT has so far arrested 12 people in two cases, of whom five were recently released on bail.
