Extension Granted for SIT Investigation into Ram Temple Donations

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh probing the alleged misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple has been granted a 15-day extension to further its investigation. This extension has been provided by the state government to enable the SIT to broaden the scope and conduct a comprehensive examination of the case.

A senior official from the Uttar Pradesh government, speaking to The Hindu, stated that the inquiry will expand to ensure thorough scrutiny of all angles involved, with a focus on ensuring that no responsible individual escapes accountability. The SIT aims to conclude the investigation in a just and detailed manner.

The team is comprised of Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S., and Neel Ratan, who serves as Special Secretary in the Finance Department.

Recently, eight individuals accused of the alleged embezzlement were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a local court. Their next hearing is scheduled for July 13. The accused include Ram Shankar Yadav, Anukalp Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Karunesh Pandey, Manish Yadav, Lavkush Mishra, Ram Shankar Mishra, and Subhash Srivastava.

On June 29, the individuals had been initially remanded to three days of judicial custody, following which they were produced via video link before Special Judge of the Anti-Corruption Court, Rajat Verma. This legal process has highlighted the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the donations meant for the Ram Temple, which is viewed as a significant cultural site in Ayodhya.