New Delhi/Ayodhya: The alleged Ram Mandir donation theft case came up for hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) informing the court that it has identified all those allegedly involved in the case.
The SIT submitted its status report before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and said the investigation has been completed to a large extent. The investigating team told the court that the chargesheet is scheduled to be filed by September 25 before the Special Judge designated under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
SIT Identifies All Accused in Donation Case
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the SIT, told the Supreme Court that all those allegedly involved in the theft of donation money and donated items have been identified.
According to the status report, investigators examined CCTV footage and other documentary and electronic evidence during the probe. The SIT said it has collected substantial evidence in connection with the alleged irregularities.
The investigation also examined the system used for handling valuable donated items. The SIT informed the court that receipts for such items are generated through software and that the items are subsequently kept in State Bank of India (SBI) lockers.
Chargesheet Scheduled for September 25
The SIT informed the Supreme Court that the investigation is largely complete and that the first chargesheet will be filed by September 25.
The chargesheet is expected to be presented before the Special Judge constituted under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Supreme Court took the SIT’s status report on record and noted the progress made in the investigation.
The development marks a significant step in the probe into allegations concerning the handling of donations and valuable items associated with the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Jeetendra Mishra Appointed First CEO of Temple Trust
The investigation comes amid wider changes in the administration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra, who was appointed the first CEO of the temple trust, recently spoke about taking charge of the responsibility. Mishra said he felt fortunate to have been selected from among 5,585 applicants and described his appointment as an opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and its devotees.
He said that after 43 years of service in the Indian Air Force, he had been given an opportunity to take on the responsibility associated with the temple and expressed hope that he would be able to fulfil the role effectively.
The appointment came amid the controversy surrounding allegations of irregularities in the handling of temple donations. The SIT investigation is continuing through the legal process, with the chargesheet now scheduled to be filed by September 25.