Lucknow: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple in Ayodhya submitted its preliminary
report on Tuesday to the Uttar Pradesh government. The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IAS, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow; Kiran S, IPS, IG (Range); and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance. The report was reportedly submitted by Pant to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad. Meanwhile, the probe by the SIY is still underway. The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 on a request from the temple trust following allegations of misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Mandir. Pant told PTI Videos that the SIT was trying to submit its final report within the next 10 to 15 days. "Based on the information that has come to light so far and the facts available with us, we have submitted the first report today. This is only the preliminary report, and the final report will be submitted after some time," Pant said. He refused to divulge details of the report. As per sources, the SIT made some recommendations, including videographing the process of the removal of cash from donation boxes, in the wake of the allegations. After the allegations were leveled, the people involved in counting donations at the Ram Temple have been changed, and the team deployed by the bank for counting cash has also been replaced. The duties of volunteers engaged in the process have also been changed, and different personnel have been assigned for supervision.
Here Are Some of the Recommendations By SIT:
- Key individuals associated with the case should not be allowed to leave Ayodhya, as they may need to be questioned again during the course of the investigation.
- The process of removing cash from donation boxes and transporting it in Ayodhya will now be videographed.
- The Ram Temple Trust should be restructured, with responsibilities distributed equally among all members.
- An administrative officer should be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the temple trust.
- The SIT should be given additional time to conduct a detailed investigation.
- A professional approach should be adopted for the management of the temple.
- Weekly audits should be conducted for the counting of donations.
- Daily records should be maintained for cash offerings received at the temple.
- The directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding the functioning of the trust should be fully implemented.
- The retention period for CCTV footage should be increased from 45 days to 180 days.
Opposition Slams BJP-Led Government In The State:
Notably, the matter has snowballed into a major political controversy as opposition parties are targeting the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. On June 7, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had cited reports claiming that crores of rupees from donations offered at the Ram Temple were missing and urged the courts to take cognisance of the matter.Yadav had demanded daily briefings on the SIT investigation, alleging that public trust in the agency had been shaken due to what he described as "widespread corruption under the BJP government."
Congress MP Tariq Anwar alleged that there was an attempt to shield those involved in the alleged embezzlement of offerings made at the temple. The Congress leader demanded strict action, including registration of an FIR and arrests of the accused involved in the alleged fraud.
