Ram temple probe: SIT asks trust officials not to leave Ayodhya

The SIT probing alleged embezzlement of funds linked to the Ayodhya Ram temple has directed trust officials and temple functionaries not to leave the city. Investigators are also examining land purchases and procurement activities undertaken by the temple trust

Ayodhya (UP): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of funds in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has instructed the office-bearers of the temple trust and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya, according to temple sources.

The instruction by the three-member SIT was issued before its members left for Lucknow on Sunday.

---

According to temple sources, the daily investigation reports, including those related to the questioning of trust officials and other persons connected with the investigation, have been saved in digital form, and the report will be given final shape before being presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath.

At the same time, the SIT has been sending reports of its findings to the Chief Minister’s Office on a daily basis, they said.

The sources said the SIT’s probe has not remained limited to investigating the alleged embezzlement of funds, but has also covered the purchase of land in different phases by the temple trust as well as the procurement of building materials for the temple.

The temple trust had allegedly purchased land at rates above the market price. The issue had been vocally raised by different political parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party.

On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted an SIT following a request from the temple trust after allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ayodhya Ram temple.

The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.