ISRO’s investigation into the theft of gold from the famous Sabarimala temple in Kerala has revealed shocking revelations. Scientists at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center have clarified that the door panels of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple were not changed, rather the gold layer over the copper layers was cleverly removed.
According to the IANS report, this report was submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and presented in the Kerala High Court on Wednesday (January 28, 2026). This report also rejects the speculations that the entire cupboards were replaced and sold to an international gang.
Scientists said that the door panels installed in Sabarimala are the same original copper sheets, which have not been changed. The investigation also confirmed that the stolen part was gold plated copper sheet, and not solid gold panels as was previously believed.
Scientists also said that the wooden frame of the door of the sanctum sanctorum, which is called ‘Kattil’ in the local language, is also original. However, the amount of gold was found to be much less in the samples of the sheets which were removed and later reinstalled. This makes it clear that the gold layer was removed, while the copper below remained as it was.
Regarding the changes seen in the panel, scientists said that these changes were not due to installation of any new sheet, but due to chemical reaction. Scientists said that the chemical composition of the sheets changed due to mercury and its related chemical solutions commonly used in the process of gold extraction. For this reason changes were seen on their surface.
Scientists have clarified that no scientific evidence has been found to prove that the original sheets were removed and replaced with new sheets. SIT told the High Court that investigation into the case is ongoing. This also includes comparative examination of samples taken from the door of the old sanctum sanctorum. ISRO-VSSC officials said that a detailed final report incorporating the results of these comparative tests will be submitted soon.
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