The Kerala High Court has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Sabarimala temple gold misappropriation case to complete its investigation without further delay, as the long-running probe enters what officials describe as its most decisive phase. On Monday, 20 July, the SIT assured the court it would file the final report in one of the two cases under investigation within 30 days.

Where the Investigation Stands

The SIT is simultaneously probing two separate criminal cases arising from the alleged irregularities at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. While the final report in the first case is expected within a month, investigators told the court that the second case remains active. The Kerala High Court has posted the matter for the next hearing on 3 September.

The assurance came after the SIT received results of scientific examinations, which, according to investigators, have helped establish the manner in which the alleged offence was carried out. The SIT stated that these findings corroborate crucial aspects of the probe and have allowed investigators to reconstruct how the alleged crime was executed.

Key Allegations and Accused

At the heart of the case are alleged irregularities in the gold-plating of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) panels at the Sabarimala temple. According to the SIT's findings, the accused allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy in 2019 to conceal the use of a lesser quantity of gold than what was officially claimed during the gold-plating process.

In an earlier interim report submitted to the High Court, the SIT named former Travancore Devaswom Board President P. S. Prasanth, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and the Sabarimala Tantri among the accused. Investigators have further alleged that the removal and transportation of the panels to Chennai violated Travancore Devaswom Board regulations and was part of a carefully planned operation involving the sponsor and certain Board officials over several years.

Bail, Witness Statements, and a Death in Custody

All accused in the case were granted statutory bail after the prescribed period elapsed, as the SIT had failed to file its final report within the stipulated time. Notably, one of the accused passed away due to ill health during the course of the investigation.

The court was also informed that statements of 54 witnesses have been recorded in the case registered in 2025, which concerns the alleged attempt to transport the gold-plated Dwarapalaka panels.

Why This Case Matters

The Sabarimala temple is one of Kerala's most revered pilgrimage sites, drawing millions of devotees annually. The case raises serious questions about the custodianship of temple assets and the handling of valuable offerings made by devotees. It is considered one of the state's most closely watched temple-related criminal investigations.

This comes amid broader scrutiny of temple administration across India, with several state governments facing questions over the management of religious endowments. The alleged irregularities reportedly first surfaced nearly seven years ago, making the SIT's commitment to file its first final report within 30 days a significant development in a case that has tested judicial patience.

With the final report now imminent in at least one of the two cases, the findings are expected to determine the future course of prosecution and could set a precedent for accountability in temple asset management in Kerala.