UP SIT files sealed status report on Ram Mandir donation theft in Supreme Court

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh Government has submitted its status report in a sealed cover before the Supreme Court regarding the Ram Mandir donation theft case. The report was filed before a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Monday. To date, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are currently tracing the full money trail to identify additional assets and beneficiaries. Police have indicated that further recoveries and significant disclosures are expected as the probe continues. The SIT has noted in its preliminary findings that approximately 70 suspicious incidents were captured on CCTV footage between April 27 and June 5, 2026. The footage shows staff members concealing wads of cash during the counting process. The report highlights several procedural lapses such as the absence of frisking at entry and exit points, inadequate control over personal belongings, and the counting of cash from multiple donation boxes together, which facilitated the offence. The status report mentions the recovery of around Rs 78.94 lakh from certain employees before the investigation began. An additional Rs 2.25 lakh was reportedly recovered from a bathroom attached to the counting room on June 4. The report states that no prima facie evidence supports social media claims concerning missing silver bricks or other valuable offerings. A significant breakthrough in the case occurred during a late-night raid prompted by disclosures made by the main accused, Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, during his 39-hour police remand. Authorities recovered a four-wheeler, a motorcycle, gold jewellery, cash, and crucial financial documents.