- SIT investigation into Ram Mandir donation theft almost complete.
- Chargesheet expected within two days to prevent default bail.
- 105 instances of donation theft identified via CCTV footage.
Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has nearly completed its investigation into the Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation theft case, and a chargesheet is expected to be filed within two days.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made this statement before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. He noted that the 90-day period from the date of the first arrest will be over on September 25, making the filing of the chargesheet before that date essential to prevent the accused from securing default bail.
Supreme Court Reviews SIT Report
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the Special Investigation Team had submitted a status report regarding the investigation, which the judges perused during the hearing.
The Chief Justice stated that if the SIT wishes to file the charge sheet, it should proceed, after which the magistrate will carry out further proceedings in accordance with the law. The Supreme Court also clarified that, given the specific provisions of the law, an Additional Sessions Judge, rather than a magistrate, will hear the case.
105 Instances Of Donation Theft
The SIT report revealed that 105 instances of donation theft at the Ram Temple were identified through CCTV footage.
During the proceedings, the court was informed of the total number of arrests made so far and the evidence gathered in connection with the theft.
The court was also presented with comprehensive details regarding witness statements, physical evidence, and CCTV footage. The status report outlined how CCTV footage and other materials were analysed to identify the accused, and the Supreme Court took all the information on record.