Gold crown of 55 sovereigns goes missing from Sabarimala; Replaced with imitation gold

PATHANAMTHITTA: Reports say a gold crown of 55.72 sovereigns kept in the strong room at Sabarimala has gone missing. The incident came to light during an inventory of the sacred ornaments (Thiruvabharanams) conducted as per the directions of the Kerala high court. The gold crown was donated by devotees from Tamil Nadu in 2012.

An imitation crown of the same size and design is presently kept in the strong room. It is also studded with white stones resembling diamonds. The total weight of the crown when it was donated was 445.78 grams. However, the imitation crown there now weighs only 240 grams.

The inventory of the valuables at Sabarimala was started under the leadership of high court amicus curiae Justice K T Sankaran in the wake of the Sabarimala gold theft. Crucial information emerged during this inspection.