Kerala High Court Supports SIT Investigation in Sabarimala Gold Theft Case
Kerala High Court's Stance on Sabarimala Investigation
The Kerala High Court has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the gold theft case at Sabarimala. The court dismissed claims from the opposition suggesting that the investigation is biased or influenced by government pressure.
This case revolves around allegations that gold-plated sheets covering the guardian deities at Sabarimala were swapped with gold-coated sheets, raising suspicions of theft. The issue came to light after irregularities were discovered during an inspection last year, leading to the formation of an SIT to investigate the alleged tampering and missing gold at Sannidhanam.
Court's Findings and Media Critique
After reviewing a detailed status report, the court stated it is satisfied that the investigation is being conducted "professionally and thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned." The High Court also condemned certain mainstream media outlets and social media platforms for exerting undue pressure on the SIT through misleading and speculative stories.
The court noted that some reports appeared to be deliberately fabricated to make baseless accusations against the investigating officials, aiming to sensationalize the issue and divert attention from the facts and progress of the investigation. It warned that serious allegations and matters involving the public cannot be subjected to media trials.
SIT Progress and Scientific Assistance
The SIT informed the court that statements from 181 witnesses have been recorded so far. The bench granted Additional Director General of Police H. Venkatesh the authority to expand the SIT if necessary and instructed that the court be notified through a report whenever new officials are added to the team.
Additionally, the SIT revealed that scientific assistance is being sought from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre for the investigation. Samples have been collected from the original gold-plated sheets present at Sannidhanam to determine the amount of gold used in 1998 and to verify whether the original sheets were replaced with new gold-plated ones.