Pathanamthitta (Kerala) | The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold loss case on Sunday began collecting samples from artefacts at the hill shrine for scientific analysis as part of its investigation, officials said.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by investigation officer S Sasidharan, reached the Lord Ayyappa temple in the evening along with police officials, Legal Metrology Department personnel and skilled workers for the sample collection, sources said.

The team started dismantling and collecting samples from the Prabhamandalam (decorative metal arch) and the upper door-frame plates of the sanctum sanctorum.

The procedure is expected to be completed in two days, officials said.

The Sabarimala temple was opened for the monthly poojas of the Malayalam month of Mithunam.

The SIT had earlier informed the court that while samples had been collected from certain artefacts in the Sreekovil, the Prabhamandalam plates and upper door-frame plate could not be dismantled due to objections and practical difficulties faced by workers engaged for the task.

The investigation team submitted that dismantling the structures and collecting samples with expert assistance was necessary to ascertain their actual weight and accurately determine the quantity of gold cladding on them.

Accepting the request, the court observed that the exercise was necessary at the present stage of the investigation and permitted the collection of samples.

The court also directed that the samples be forwarded to a laboratory for scientific analysis so that the facts relating to the case could be conclusively established.

The SIT recently informed the Kerala High Court that investigations in the two cases registered in connection with the alleged gold loss had been completed.

A total of 12 persons were arrested in the two cases and all of them are currently out on bail.