NML to Test 36 Samples in Sabarimala Gold Case After HC Clears Data Requests, March 31 Report Targeted

Judges directed specialised metallurgical exams including XRF, ICP‑MS, OES to establish whether gold was removed from temple artefacts.

Overview

Thirty-six samples collected by the SIT were produced before the Inquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance), Kollam, for onward transmission to the National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur.
NML has assured expedited, no‑cost testing of the control and questioned samples, and investigators said its findings will form the fulcrum of the prosecution case.
The Kerala High Court authorised the SIT to seek call data records from Vodafone Idea, Jio, BSNL and Airtel, with DVR and CDR analysis reports still awaited.
Based on NML’s assurance, the SIT told the court it will file its final report on or before March 31, 2026, and the matter has been posted for further hearing on March 26.
The government appointed VACB Deputy SP Hari C. S. to conduct a 30‑day preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities linked to the Sabarimala temple flag mast.