The Uttar Pradesh government has granted a 15-day extension to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The three-member SIT, originally constituted on June 13 with a 15-day mandate, will now have additional time to deepen the investigation and widen its scope.
Background of the Probe
The SIT was formed following complaints about misappropriation of funds collected for the Ram temple construction. After submitting a preliminary report on June 23, an FIR was registered on June 25 against eight accused individuals. Those arrested include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav.
Composition of the SIT
The SIT comprises three senior officials: Vijay Vishwas Pant, IAS, Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow; Kiran S, IPS, Inspector General of Police; and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary of the Finance Department. Their combined expertise is expected to ensure a thorough investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.
Impact and Next Steps
The extension signals the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of temple donations. With the probe now extended, the SIT is likely to examine additional evidence and possibly expand the list of accused. The case has drawn significant public attention, given the religious and cultural importance of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
