Supreme Court Orders New SIT to Probe Ayodhya Ram Temple Fund Embezzlement

Supreme Court Orders New SIT to Probe Ayodhya Ram Temple Fund Embezzlement

The Supreme Court of India has intervened in the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities concerning donations for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The apex court has directed the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the probe, signalling a significant shift in oversight of the high-profile case.

This new SIT will be headed by a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, with the Supreme Court itself closely monitoring its progress. Consequently, the local police force, which had been conducting the initial investigation, has been removed from the inquiry. This move underscores the court's commitment to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported pilferage of funds.

Furthermore, the apex court has issued a directive to the Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body responsible for the temple's construction and fund management. The Trust has been instructed to meticulously preserve all donation receipts and financial accounts. These records will be subject to scrutiny by the newly constituted SIT as part of its comprehensive investigation.

The Supreme Court also cautioned against any attempts to politicise the sensitive investigation, emphasising the need for a focus on justice and accountability. In connection with the alleged embezzlement, eight individuals have already been apprehended. The ongoing probe aims to uncover the extent of the financial irregularities and bring those responsible to justice.