The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of funds related to the Ram temple in Ayodhya has directed office-bearers of the temple trust and functionaries associated with its operations not to leave the city during the ongoing investigation, sources said on Sunday.
According to temple sources, the three-member SIT issued the instruction before leaving for Lucknow earlier in the day.
The sources said the probe team has been maintaining detailed digital records of daily investigation reports, including questioning of trust officials and other individuals linked to the case. The findings are expected to be compiled before being submitted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Officials indicated that the SIT has also been sending its findings to the Chief Minister’s Office on a daily basis as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Also read: CCTV data gap hampers Ram Temple donation probe
The investigation, initially focused on alleged misappropriation of donations, has now expanded to include scrutiny of land purchases made by the trust at different stages, as well as procurement of construction materials for the temple.
According to sources, allegations have been raised that land was purchased at rates higher than prevailing market prices. The issue had earlier been flagged by opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT on June 13 following a request linked to allegations of financial irregularities in donations received for the Ram temple project.
The three-member SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan.
The probe is currently underway.
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