- SC-mandated SIT begins fresh probe into Ram Temple theft.
- Notices issued to 200 individuals for questioning in Ayodhya.
- Financial records, property documents, bank accounts under scrutiny.
Following the Supreme Court's directive, the newly constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun a fresh probe into the alleged theft of Ram Temple offerings in Ayodhya. The investigation is being closely supervised by DIG Somen Burma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Gaurav Grover, who are monitoring the progress of the case.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have issued notices not only to the close relatives of the eight accused already lodged in jail but also to around 200 other individuals believed to have links to the case. Investigating officer CO Ashutosh Tripathi is leading the probe, with notices being served to summon people for questioning.
Authorities are scrutinising land records, property documents, bank accounts, and financial transactions of suspects connected to the accused. A chartered accountant (CA) has also been questioned as part of the financial investigation.
Police have already taken all eight accused into custody on remand, interrogated them, and recovered evidence during the course of the investigation. Earlier, an SIT formed by the Uttar Pradesh government had also investigated the matter and submitted a status report before the Supreme Court. During the hearing, the apex court directed that the probe be carried out under the supervision of a senior police officer.
The newly formed SIT is headed by Lucknow Range IG Kiran S and includes Ayodhya Range DIG Somen Burma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover. The team is expected to strengthen the investigation by involving forensic experts and senior chartered accountants to examine financial and technical evidence.
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Jagran.com, citing sources, said the SIT recently held an online review meeting to assess the findings of the previous investigation and identify any gaps. To ensure a comprehensive probe, notices have been issued to several individuals, including the accused, former trust general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, Gopal Rao, and several others associated with the temple administration.
Investigators are also examining the links between the accused and those connected to the temple trust. According to sources, both trustees may be questioned again if required. A senior police officer confirmed that notices have been issued to a large number of people and that all relevant facts are being thoroughly verified as the investigation progresses.