Thiruvananthapuram: In a major step forward in the Padmanabhaswamy temple gold theft probe, the Thiruvananthapuram Judicial Magistrate Court has ordered lie-detector (polygraph) tests on six temple employees in connection with the disappearance of gold from the shrine’s strong room.

The historic Padmanabhaswamy temple — one of India’s wealthiest and most revered shrines — remains under court-monitored administration and tight surveillance following earlier Supreme Court directions on its treasure management.

The latest order follows an application by the Fort Police, who are investigating the case. According to officials, the tests are expected to shed light on how gold taken out for gilding the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door went missing earlier this year. Around 13 sovereigns (approximately 104 grams) of gold reportedly disappeared between May 7 and May 10. The temple manager lodged a complaint after the shortage was detected.

During the investigation, a portion of the missing gold, in the form of bars, was recovered buried in sand within the temple premises. Police believe this to be part of the lost stock.

The court directed that written consent be obtained from each of the six employees before conducting the polygraph test. While such results are not admissible as direct evidence, they can help investigators evaluate inconsistencies in statements and establish leads.

Officials said forensic formalities will be completed soon, and the polygraph results could help determine whether the missing gold was stolen, misplaced, or hidden during renovation work.

The case has gained attention amid parallel developments in another temple-related theft — the Sabarimala gold theft case — in which a Kerala High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team recently arrested four people, including three Travancore Devaswom Board employees.