The Uttar Pradesh government will present a new three-member team of senior police officers to the Supreme Court on Monday. This Special Investigation Team will probe allegations of theft and misuse of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The court directed this change to ensure a direct and independent investigation into the case.
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The Uttar Pradesh government is set to submit a proposal to the Supreme Court on Monday regarding the formation of a new Special Investigation Team to probe alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The state government plans to appoint a three-member panel consisting of senior Indian Police Service officers to lead the inquiry. The proposed team includes Inspector General of the Lucknow Range, Kiran S, who is expected to head the unit, along with the Deputy Inspector General of the Ayodhya Range, Somen Verma, and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Ayodhya, Gaurav Grover.
This development follows directions from the Supreme Court, which expressed dissatisfaction with the previous oversight structure. The court had observed that the existing arrangement, which involved civil services officers in a supervisory role, was not effective in ensuring a direct and thorough investigation. Previously, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had informed the bench that local police were conducting the probe under the supervision of the earlier SIT. In response, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized the need for a team that directly handles the investigation under police leadership.
The allegations involve the diversion and misappropriation of funds donated by devotees at the temple's facilitation center. Authorities have already taken action in the case, with all eight individuals named in the initial police complaint currently under arrest. These individuals face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and criminal breach of trust. The court-mandated formation of this new team is intended to bring greater accountability and speed to the ongoing legal process. Investors and stakeholders in the region may monitor the outcome of this investigation as it relates to the governance and administrative transparency of the high-profile site.