Pathanamthitta: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the missing gold from the Sabarimala temple conducted scientific tests on several gold-clad plates located just outside the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) on Monday, according to officials. This procedure, recommended by the Kerala High Court, commenced at 1.15 pm following the ‘deva anujna’ (divine permission) rituals and the temple’s closure after ‘uchcha puja’. “The operation lasted until 3 pm when the temple reopened for rituals,” an official stated. The team, led by Deputy SP S Sasidharan, has been at Sabarimala since Sunday for the examination. In addition to police personnel, the SIT consisted of 20 members, including forensic experts and chemical analysts, officials reported.
