NEW DELHI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya has identified 105 instances of unauthorised removal of cash from the temple’s counting facility, the Supreme Court was informed on Monday.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant that the investigation was nearing completion and the first chargesheet would be filed by September 25. The deadline comes as the statutory 90-day period from the first arrest in the case expires on the same day.
The findings were part of an SIT status report submitted to the Supreme Court. Investigators examined CCTV footage, donation records, banking details and other electronic evidence as part of the probe. The investigation has so far led to the arrest of eight accused.
173 witnesses examined
The SIT has recorded statements of 173 witnesses, including temple trust officials, personnel involved in counting donations, bank officials, security personnel, CCTV operators, chartered accountants and vendors, according to the status report.
The probe also examined allegations concerning valuable donations. The SIT reported that physical verification of 803 valuable articles with receipts and 86 articles without receipts was carried out. It also verified around 944.411 kg of silver sent for melting and found no discrepancy in the handling of specific silver donations mentioned in the allegations, including silver bricks.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the authorities to ensure transparency in the management of temple donations and had asked for a forensic auditor to be included in the investigation.
The court is expected to consider the chargesheet and further developments in the case after its filing. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 2.
