SC Refuses Urgent Listing Of Ram Temple Donation Theft Case, Says Plea To Be Heard In July

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an urgent plea in the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case. The top court declined the urgent PIL seeking a court-monitored probe and forensic audit into offerings and funds at the temple. The apex court said that the matter would be taken up after the holidays when the court reopens.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Sheel Nagu dismissed the plea for urgent listing and said the petition will be heard during the week of July 12-17.

The petitioner said that the allegations of alleged embezzlement of Ram Temple funds were of a serious nature and so needed immediate consideration. Dismissing the plea, Justice Sundresh, asked "What’s the urgency?"

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Ram Temple Donation Theft Case: 8 Arrested So Far, Bank Officials Under Scanner 

Following the arrest of eight accused in the Ram Temple donation theft case, the police has expanded the probe to identify the masterminds and patrons who allegedly supported the accused. Bank officials and the agency that allegedly provided counterfeiters are now under scanner. 

Police are investigating whether the family members and those close to the accused have shown any unexplained improvement in their lifestyle and standards of living over the past few years. Bank account details of those involved will also be examined soon.

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The SIT investigation noted the suspicious role of two bank officials, however, the FIR does not name any bank employee. The police may add these names as the investigation progresses.

Retired Bank Employee Who Oversaw Counting Was Appointed As Trust Employee By A Politician

According to sources, Subhash Srivastava, a retired bank employee who oversaw the counting, was appointed as a trust employee by a politician. Similarly, Anukalp Mishra, the mastermind of the embezzlement case, was appointed by a trustee at the behest of a politician. Later, he also included his brother-in-law, Lavkush Mishra, and Karunesh Pandey, a resident of the area, in the trust and involved them in the counting work. A politician's role is also being suspected in the appointment of Avinash Shukla.