The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday (June 21) and submitted its preliminary investigation report. According to sources, the SIT briefed the Chief Minister about the investigation conducted at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for approximately sixty hours over six days.
During the six-day intensive investigation, the team conducted over 60 hours of investigation and questioned over 150 suspects. All eyes are now on the evidence the SIT has uncovered in this case involving donations worth crores of rupees, and what further action may be taken.
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 to probe the allegations following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust. The SIT comprises Vijay Vishwas Pant, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow; Kiran S IG (Range); and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance. The committee has been directed to submit its preliminary and final reports as soon as possible.
SIT preliminary investigation report
SIT, in its preliminary report submitted to Uttar Pradesh CM, has reportedly pointed to systemic shortcomings in the handling of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
According to sources, the SIT observed flaws in the process of withdrawing cash, gold, and silver ornaments from donation boxes, transporting them to the counting centre, and carrying out the counting process. The report noted that the existing system requires significant improvements and tighter oversight.
Sources said the SIT also flagged deficiencies in the mechanism used to transport donation money to banks. As per prescribed norms, cash should be stored in a double-lock system, with the two keys held by different individuals. However, investigators reportedly found that this protocol was not being properly followed.
The preliminary report does not name any senior office-bearers of the temple trust. However, it reportedly highlights irregularities involving certain trust employees, SBI personnel, and staff of private firms engaged in the cash-counting process.
Sources added that the SIT's meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was brief, as he had to leave for a scheduled meeting with the Governor.
The report submitted so far is only a preliminary assessment. The SIT has been tasked with submitting its comprehensive report within 15 days.
Earlier, the has directed trust officials and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya, according to temple sources. The directive came after investigators reportedly detected discrepancies in records related to offerings, including gold, silver, and precious stones.
Sources said the instruction was issued by the three-member SIT before its members departed for Lucknow on Sunday.
How are the donation boxes counted?
It is worth noting that there are a total of 35 donation boxes installed in the Ram Temple complex. All are opened twice daily. During this time, four employees from the Trust and the bank are present. The counting work is done in two shifts. The first shift starts at 8 am and continues until 2 pm. The second shift runs from 2 pm to 8 pm. Approximately 20 people work in each shift.
The offerings are counted in the basement of the Yatri Suvidha Kendra, about 200 meters from the Ram Temple. Anil Mishra's cabin is right next to the counting room. Anil Mishra has also been questioned by the SIT. The SIT has questioned 150 people in the alleged offering theft case. It is believed that 25 people may face action. Currently, officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Trust have been barred from traveling outside the district. Employees named in the alleged offering theft case are also barred from traveling outside Ayodhya.
Also Read: SIT asks Ram Temple trust functionaries not to leave Ayodhya as discrepancies found in offerings
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