The Kerala High Court expressed serious concern over the disappearance of around 4.54 kg of gold from the gold-plated sheets of the Dwarapalaka idols at the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The court has ordered a comprehensive vigilance inquiry into the matter.

During renovations in 2019, the old copper plates of the idols were removed, weighing 42.8 kg. However, when handed over to a Chennai-based company, their weight dropped to 38.258 kg — showing a shocking difference of 4.54 kg.

“This is a very serious and unexplained discrepancy. A thorough probe is necessary,” observed Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and KV Jayakumar.

Interestingly, the idols were originally installed in 1999 with a 40-year warranty. Yet, within just six years, defects in the gold plating emerged, forcing repairs. The Travancore Devaswom Board reportedly removed the gold sheets without informing either the Special Commissioner or the court, and even sent them to Chennai through a devotee — raising further suspicions.

Now, with the High Court ordering vigilance investigation, it is expected that the truth behind the missing gold will soon come to light.