The Supreme Court of India has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a comprehensive status report on its ongoing probe into the alleged theft of donations intended for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The apex court further instructed the SIT to ensure a "logical conclusion" to the investigation, underscoring the urgency in resolving the high-profile case.

A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta issued the directive following a hearing on a petition seeking expeditious action in the matter. The court emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly given the public trust associated with the donations for the sacred Hindu temple. The SIT is now tasked with providing a detailed update on its findings and the progress made since the alleged incident came to light.

The case pertains to the reported theft of approximately Rs 6 lakh from the bank account of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple's construction. The alleged fraud, involving the use of cloned cheques, was reported in September 2020. An initial First Information Report (FIR) was lodged in Ayodhya, leading to an investigation that subsequently involved the SIT.

Key details of the case and the court's directives include:

  • Case Origin: The alleged theft was reported in September 2020, involving the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's account.
  • Amount Involved: Approximately Rs 6 lakh was reportedly siphoned off using cloned cheques.
  • Investigation Body: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the matter, following the initial FIR lodged in Ayodhya.
  • Court's Mandate: The Supreme Court has now mandated the SIT to provide a status report detailing the investigation's progress, findings, and the steps taken to apprehend those responsible.
  • Logical Conclusion: The court's order explicitly directs the SIT to bring the investigation to a "logical conclusion," indicating a demand for resolution rather than protracted inquiry.

The petitioners had approached the Supreme Court expressing concerns over the pace and outcome of the investigation, seeking either a transfer of the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a definite timeline for its completion. While the court did not immediately order a CBI probe, its strong directive to the SIT reflects the judiciary's intent to see the case resolved promptly and thoroughly.

The directive from the Supreme Court signals a renewed impetus for the investigation. The SIT is now expected to accelerate its efforts, consolidating evidence and identifying all individuals involved in the alleged fraud. The next steps will involve the submission of the detailed status report to the Supreme Court, which will then review the findings and determine further actions, ensuring the integrity of funds donated for the Ayodhya Ram Temple.