India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The Supreme Court on Monday took note of the progress made in the investigation into the alleged theft of Ram Mandir donation money and valuables.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case submitted its latest status report before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
The Supreme Court noted the SIT’s progress in the Ram Mandir donation theft probe, with a chargesheet due by Sept 25, while Jeetendra Mishra assumed charge as the trust’s first CEO following embezzlement allegations and arrests.
The SIT told the court that it had identified all those allegedly involved in the case and had examined CCTV footage along with other documentary and electronic evidence.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the SIT, said the investigation was now largely complete and that the chargesheet would be filed by September 25.
The chargesheet will be submitted before the Special Judge designated under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the court was informed.
The SIT also placed details before the court about how valuable items received as donations are handled. It said receipts for such items are generated through software and the valuables are subsequently kept in SBI lockers.
The Supreme Court took the status report on record and noted the stage reached in the investigation.
Jeetendra Mishra takes charge as Ram Mandir trust CEO
The court proceedings come weeks after Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra took charge as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Mishra, who served in the Indian Air Force for 43 years, had said he felt fortunate to have been selected from among 5,585 applicants. He described the appointment as a blessing from Lord Ram.
After taking charge, Mishra thanked the selection committee and the temple trust and said he hoped to fulfil the responsibility entrusted to him.
He was selected from a final shortlist of three candidates.
His appointment came against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the alleged embezzlement of temple donations. Eight people had been arrested in connection with the case, while Champat Rai had resigned as the trust’s general secretary.
