SC orders quick end to Ram temple donation theft probe

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya to complete its investigation expeditiously and take it to a logical conclusion. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana ordered the SIT to file a status report in a sealed cover on the progress made.

The bench asked the SIT to objectively consider any suggestions from litigants for improving the investigation and its transparency. Petitioners, including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, have sought a CBI probe and a forensic audit of the temple trust's finances. The court permitted such petitioners and others to submit suggestions to the office of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who will forward them to the SIT. The court said it may later issue directions for reforms in donation management.

The first SIT, formed on June 13 on chief minister Yogi Adityanath's direction, submitted its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government. The home department has handed it over to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Sources said that report does not name former trust general secretary Champat Rai or ex-trust member Anil Mishra. Eight accused named in an FIR have been arrested. The Supreme Court-appointed second SIT, headed by IGP Kiran S, continues its investigation.