Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: Reconstituted SIT Begins Fresh Probe After SC Order

Ayodhya: Acting on the Supreme Court's directions, the Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The newly formed SIT has been strengthened with the inclusion of three senior IPS officers to oversee the investigation.

Who is in the team?

The newly formed SIT is headed by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S, while Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ayodhya Somen Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayodhya Dr Gaurav Grover are its members.

The previous SIT included Lucknow Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar, among other officials. 

What is the reason for the new team?

The move comes after the Supreme Court, during a hearing on July 13, directed the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a new SIT headed by a senior IPS officer. The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan. 

The Supreme Court also directed a status report to be submitted on July 27. Following the court’s order, the state government reconstituted the SIT. According to sources, the new team has begun its investigation.

Who was questioned?

The case relates to the alleged theft of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The previous SIT conducted a comprehensive investigation of CCTV footage, donation registers, cash management procedures, and financial records. It questioned several temple employees and submitted a preliminary report pointing to alleged irregularities in the counting and deposit of temple offerings.

Based on the investigation, police arrested the main accused and recovered cash, vehicles, investment documents, and other assets allegedly purchased with the embezzled funds. Multiple locations were searched, and digital evidence and financial transactions were thoroughly examined. 

The Supreme Court stated that criminal investigations and technical investigations into theft-related cases are more effectively conducted by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior IPS officer. 

The newly formed team is expected to take the investigation forward and submit its status report to the Supreme Court on July 27.