The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case of alleged manipulation and theft in the offerings of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya has submitted its preliminary investigation report to the Uttar Pradesh government. This report has been submitted to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjay Prasad. However, the investigation process is still going on and the final report will be submitted later.

On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and following the demand of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, a three-member SIT was formed to investigate the matter. The SIT formed under the chairmanship of Lucknow Division Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant stayed in Ayodhya for six days and thoroughly investigated the case.

During the investigation, the SIT interrogated more than five dozen people including the temple administration, security personnel, people associated with the trust and other concerned persons. The team investigated various aspects to calculation of offerings, its maintenance, security arrangements and alleged irregularities.

Lucknow Division Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant said that the SIT has submitted its preliminary report to the government. He said that this is a confidential investigation and at present only a preliminary report has been submitted. The facts and findings to the investigation have been included in the report and informed to the government.

He clarified that the investigation process is still going on and investigation is being done on many points. After the final report is prepared, it will be submitted to the government.

It is noteworthy that this matter had become a topic of discussion after allegations of alleged irregularities and embezzlement in the amount of offerings in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple located in Ayodhya came to light. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the faith of crores of devotees, the state government had constituted a three-member SIT.

Lucknow Division Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow Zone Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Special Secretary (Finance) Neelratan were included in the SIT. The investigation team has been entrusted with the responsibility of impartially investigating the entire episode, bringing out the facts and submitting a report to the government regarding necessary action.