Supreme Court bluntly: Ram Mandir donation theft case is only a ‘crime’, do not make it an arena of politics

The Supreme Court on Monday took a very strict stance on the controversy over alleged embezzlement and theft of donations in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust. The bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant has expressed strong displeasure over the attempts to give political color to this case. The Court clearly stated that this is a ‘simple case of crime’ and the primary objective of the Court is only to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. During the hearing, the court appealed to all the parties to avoid using this issue for their political gains, as the court is not a forum for politics. This matter came to light during the hearing of petitions related to alleged embezzlement in Ram Mandir Trust, in which demands have been made for CBI investigation, forensic audit and audit by CAG. Summons response from government on SIT investigation, next hearing on July 27. During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned Solicitor General Tushar Mehta regarding the formation of SIT. The government informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has already been formed by the Uttar Pradesh Police and it is actively investigating the case. Expressing satisfaction over the progress of the investigation, the court has scheduled the next hearing for July 27. On this date, the Uttar Pradesh government will have to submit a detailed progress report of the SIT investigation before the court, which will prove to be decisive in deciding the future of the case. Speed ​​of investigation: 8 arrests and recovery of Rs 80 lakh. After the interim report of SIT, the case has gained momentum and many big revelations have been made. Till now the police have registered FIR in the case and arrested eight accused. During the investigation, around Rs 80 lakh, allegedly embezzled from temple donations, has been recovered. The heat of this matter also reached the senior officials of the Trust, after which former General Secretary Champat Rai and former Trustee Anil Mishra had to resign. The SIT is currently closely examining the financial records and administrative processes to file a final report, which may also include suggestions to improve the temple’s donation collection and counting system. Important meeting of the Trust on July 22, there will be brainstorming on reforms. Amidst the Ram Mandir donation theft controversy and the ongoing investigation of the SIT, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has called a high level meeting in Ayodhya on July 22. The main agenda of this meeting is to discuss the investigation report of the SIT and the recommendations made in it. It is believed that in this meeting the Trust can approve major changes in its future work plan and administrative structure. The Trust is trying to make the donation process completely transparent so that there is no scope for any kind of irregularity in future.