Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya Ram Temple offerings theft case as priests express faith in judicial process

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions seeking an investigation into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Priests expressed confidence in the judicial process as the Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted a three-member Special Investigation Team following the apex court's directions.

Ayodhya: As the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Ayodhya Ram Temple offerings theft case on Monday, priests said that whatever decision the apex court delivers will be in the interest of Lord Ram’s devotees and the saint community.

The Supreme Court is hearing four petitions seeking an investigation into the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Temple.

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Speaking to IANS, Mahant Acharya Sitaram Das Maharaj, the head priest of Saket Bhavan, said, “The Supreme Court is hearing four petitions. Earlier, the court directed the Central government or the State government to reconstitute a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) and submit a report. Since a new SIT has been formed on the directions of the court, the investigation will continue. I believe the process will take some time.”

Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Maharaj said, “Whatever decision the Supreme Court gives will be in the interest of Ram devotees and saints. Let me say that the dirty politics being played by the opposition over the alleged theft of Ram Temple offerings will not succeed. The dream they are nurturing for 2027 will not come true. Once again, the saffron-clad will return to power in 2027.”

Jagadguru Paramahamsa Acharya, the head of Tapasvi Chavani, also expressed confidence in the judicial process. “Whatever happens during today’s hearing in the Hon’ble Supreme Court will certainly be beneficial for the country and its culture. Now that the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a new SIT, we believe that until the investigation report is submitted, the court is unlikely to deliver any final verdict on the matter,” he said.

The Supreme Court is hearing the Ayodhya Ram Temple offerings theft case on Monday. Earlier, on July 20, the apex court directed the reconstitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that a new three-member SIT should be constituted to carry out the investigation.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Uttar Pradesh government reconstituted the Special Investigation Team probing the alleged theft of cash donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Inspector General of Police (Lucknow Range) Kiran S. has been appointed to head the newly constituted three-member panel in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions. Deputy Inspector General (Ayodhya) Somen Barma and Senior Superintendent of Police (Ayodhya) Gaurav Grover will serve as its members.

The apex court had, on July 20, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider placing the ongoing police investigation under the supervision of the same three-member SIT that had earlier uncovered prima facie evidence of the alleged fraud.