Ram Temple Donation Row: UP SIT Identifies 105 Incidents; Chargesheet Due Within Two Days

The UP government told the Supreme Court that the SIT has nearly completed its probe into Ram Temple donation irregularities. The SIT will file the chargesheet within two days, before the September 25 deadline.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, heard petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the SIT submitted its status report in a sealed cover. He said the probe was in its final stage and the chargesheet would follow after the remaining formalities.

The SIT analysed CCTV footage, financial records and other material to identify the accused. Its report recorded 105 incidents of alleged donation theft captured on temple CCTV.

The report stated that software generates receipts for valuable offerings. Authorities keep these valuables in State Bank of India lockers.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed Uttar Pradesh to reconstitute the SIT and ensure a fair, speedy and qualitative investigation.

The reconstituted team is headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S, with DIG Ayodhya Somen Verma and SSP Ayodhya Dr Gaurav Grover as members.

The apex court had further indicated that a forensic auditor should assist the probe over allegations concerning trust funds.

The petitions seek a judicially monitored investigation into the handling of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The Trust has appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) as its new Chief Executive Officer, and he has assumed full charge of operations.

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