LUCKNOW: The three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 and headed by Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, to probe the alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has sought additional time to complete its investigation, sources said on Friday.The SIT is also likely to submit an interim status report directly to the Supreme Court on Monday in compliance with the apex court’s directions, while seeking an extension from the Uttar Pradesh government to finalise its report.The SIT, comprising Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan, was formed at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. It was initially given 15 days to complete the probe, with its tenure subsequently extended by another 15 days.The investigation had gathered momentum after the SIT submitted a nine-page interim report to Additional Chief Secretary Home, Sanjay Prasad on June 23. The report led to the registration of an FIR by Ayodhya Police, the arrest of eight accused, and the recovery of nearly Rs 80 lakh allegedly siphoned off from temple donations. The probe also triggered significant administrative developments, including the resignation of former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra.Sources said the SIT requires additional time to examine financial records, administrative procedures and the alleged irregularities before submitting its final findings. The report is expected to recommend reforms in the temple’s donation collection, counting and administrative systems.The development comes after the Supreme Court, while hearing petitions seeking a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged embezzlement, directed the SIT to file a status report on the progress of its inquiry.The petitions before the apex court seek a court-monitored CBI investigation, a forensic audit and an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust is scheduled to hold a meeting in Ayodhya on July 22 to discuss the SIT’s findings and consider corrective measures based on its recommendations.
