RJD MP Sudhakar Singh moves SC seeking CBI probe into Ram Temple Trust's finances

The Public Interest Litigation said that the aim of filing the PIL was to safeguard public donations and ensure an independent investigation into the allegations.

The petition has sought transfer of the ongoing investigation from the state police to the Central Bureau of Investigation under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.

It further sought directions to preserve all financial records, including physical documents, digital ledgers, UPI transaction logs and bank statements, to prevent any alleged tampering with evidence.

The plea also sought an order restraining the Trust from undertaking major investments, entering into substantial contracts or taking significant financial decisions without the prior approval of the proposed Oversight Committee.

The petition filed through advocate Satyam Singh Rajput also sought a comprehensive forensic audit of the Trust's accounts, donations, offerings, bank transactions and financial records by an independent agency of unquestionable credibility, with the audit report to be placed before the Supreme Court.

Earlier this week, the apex court had declined urgent listing of two other petitions seeking court-monitored probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations for Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.

The plea comes amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple. On Friday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale termed the alleged embezzlement from the temple's donation boxes as "highly condemnable" and called for strict punishment for those found guilty. He also urged the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to strengthen financial management and ensure transparent administration to preserve the faith of devotees.

The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following a request from the Trust. An FIR was registered on June 25 after the SIT submitted its preliminary report, leading to the arrest of eight accused. The state government has since granted the SIT a 15-day extension to widen the scope of its investigation. (ANI)