New Delhi [India]: The Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions on Monday seeking a wider investigation into the alleged donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The matter will be heard by a Bench led by the Chief Justice of India along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Venkita Subramani Mohana.
The petitions seek a time-bound probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and contend that the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is inadequate.
Petitioners have also sought an independent forensic audit of the finances of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, arguing that a more comprehensive investigation is needed into the handling of temple donations.
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One of the petitions has sought a court-monitored CBI investigation or, alternatively, a multidisciplinary SIT led by the CBI, alleging that the current probe may not ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
It has also requested that all digital payment records and transaction logs related to temple donations be preserved until the CBI takes over the investigation.
Another plea seeks directions to the temple trust to submit a complete statement of all donations received in cash and valuables since the temple's inauguration.
The petitioner has also sought the constitution of a temporary oversight committee to manage the temple's affairs until the investigation is completed and those responsible are brought to justice.
The petitions come amid an ongoing police investigation into the alleged embezzlement of temple donations.
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So far, eight accused have been arrested in the case. Investigators have recovered nearly ₹79.85 lakh in cash from multiple locations, including approximately ₹20.39 lakh from the residence of the prime accused.
Police have also seized US dollars, gold, silver ornaments and other valuables during the course of the investigation.
The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including theft by a servant, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.
According to investigators, the SIT is examining allegations that a portion of the stolen funds may have been routed into the stock market. Police are tracing the financial trail by scrutinising the bank accounts of the accused and their family members. Several vehicles allegedly purchased using the embezzled money have also been seized.
Officials said the investigation is now focused on identifying others who may have been involved in the alleged siphoning of funds. Police are expected to approach the trial court again in the coming days to seek further custodial interrogation of additional accused as the probe continues.
The Supreme Court's hearing is expected to determine whether the investigation should remain with the SIT or be transferred to the CBI under judicial supervision.
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