The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 (Img: X)
Ayodhya: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has sought additional time from the Uttar Pradesh government to complete its investigation. The three-member panel is also expected to submit an interim status report before the Supreme Court on Monday in compliance with the court's directions.
The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, with Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan as members.
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The investigation gained momentum after the SIT submitted an interim report to the state government, leading to the registration of an FIR, the arrest of eight accused and the recovery of nearly ₹80 lakh allegedly siphoned from temple donations.
The probe also triggered major administrative changes, including the resignation of former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra.
Sources said the SIT requires more time to examine financial transactions, administrative procedures and the alleged irregularities before submitting its final report. The panel is also expected to recommend reforms in the temple's donation collection, counting and administrative systems.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the SIT to place a status report on record while hearing petitions seeking a fair and time-bound investigation. The petitions have sought a court-monitored CBI probe, a forensic audit and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's finances.
Meanwhile, the Trust is scheduled to hold a meeting in Ayodhya on July 22 to review the SIT's findings and discuss corrective measures.
