SIT Completes First Round of Investigation in Ayodhya
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the handling of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya returned to Lucknow on Saturday night and is expected to submit a preliminary report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath soon. The three-member SIT is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and includes Kiran S, IG Lucknow Range, and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance, as members.
According to sources, the SIT wrapped up its first round of intensive questioning and document verification before leaving Ayodhya. The team is likely to brief the state government on its findings, including evidence collected from temple authorities, bank officials, and personnel involved in the counting and handling of donations.
Extensive Questioning and Document Review
In Ayodhya, the SIT examined the entire chain involved in the collection, counting, and deposit of donations received at the Ram temple. Investigators questioned employees of the temple trust, officials from three banks linked to the donation management process, and personnel engaged in counting cash offerings. Sources said around 65 people were questioned and several documents were checked.
Sources added that many individuals have been asked to appear before the SIT with documents to support their claims. The team reconstructed the movement of donation funds from collection boxes to bank deposits and examined records, statements, and procedural documents to identify possible lapses or irregularities. Several individuals who came under suspicion during the inquiry were questioned in detail.
CCTV and Banking Records Scrutinized
The SIT also reviewed CCTV footage, cash-counting records, and banking documents as part of its efforts to establish whether standard operating procedures were followed and whether any manipulation took place at any stage of the process. Sources indicated that the inquiry has focused not only on the alleged embezzlement of donation funds but also on the systems and oversight mechanisms governing the handling of offerings received at the temple.
The preliminary report is expected to outline the SIT's initial findings and recommendations for further action. The state government has been closely monitoring the probe, which aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the temple's donations.
