Thiruvananthapuram, January 28 (IANS). The new scientific investigation in the Sabarimala gold theft case has put an end to many important questions. ISRO’s scientific tests have confirmed that the door panels of the sanctum sanctorum (Sannidhanam) were not replaced, but the gold layer on copper sheets was removed through a chemical process.
These findings have been handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and were also placed before the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. With this, speculations like completely changing the structure of the sanctum sanctorum or handing it over to international gangs have been rejected.
Scientists at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center told the court after detailed material analysis that the door panels installed at Sabarimala are the original copper sheets. The investigation also revealed that the stolen piece was not solid gold, but a layer of gold plated over copper, which was earlier thought to be a solid gold panel.
According to scientists, the wooden structure of the door of the sanctum sanctorum, called ‘Kattil’ in the local language, has also been found to be completely original. However, samples from sheets that were removed and later reinstalled showed a marked decrease in the amount of gold. This proves that the gold was separated without damaging the copper.
On the doubts raised regarding the changes seen on the panels, scientists clarified that these changes have occurred due to chemical reactions and not due to replacement of the panels. Mercury and other chemical solutions used in gold mining affect the chemical composition of the surface of the sheets, causing differences in color and texture.
Scientists also said that there is no evidence that new sheets were replaced by the original sheets.
The SIT has told the High Court that the investigation is still going on and comparative analysis of the samples taken from the old sanctum sanctorum door is being done. According to officials, the final joint report incorporating all these tests will be submitted soon.
It is believed that this scientific testimony will play a decisive role in deciding the direction of the investigation and now the focus of the investigation will be on the process of extracting gold and identifying the people responsible behind it.
–IANS
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