The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report on its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The court also sought a response from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
“We direct the SIT constituted by the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report. Post this matter for further consideration on next Monday. Please also mention the composition of the SIT in the status report,” the bench said, according to ANI.
The petitions before the court seek a forensic audit and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) review of the Trust’s accounts, alleging financial irregularities and inadequate oversight of temple donations.
The petitioners have also questioned the state government’s decision to constitute the SIT, arguing that the investigation was initiated without the registration of an FIR and should instead be entrusted to an independent agency.
The hearing comes as the state-appointed SIT continues its investigation into the alleged theft of donations. So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to preliminary findings, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting repeated thefts, security lapses in the temple’s donation counting room and suspicious activity captured on CCTV footage.
The allegations have triggered a political controversy, with the Uttar Pradesh government assuring strict action against those found guilty.
