Key HighlightsSIT identified 105 alleged donation theft incidents through CCTV footage.The investigation also examined witness statements, digital records, bank deposits and forensic evidence.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court about the probe.The charge sheet is expected to be filed by September 25.The Supreme Court declined to provide the SIT status report to petitioners at this stage.Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.What Did the SIT Find in the Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case?The Special Investigation Team investigating alleged irregularities in donation handling at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has identified 105 instances of alleged unauthorised removal of cash, based on CCTV footage.The findings were presented before the Supreme Court during a hearing on Monday. The SIT also examined witness statements, donation records, digital logging receipts, bank deposit records, recoveries and forensic material as part of the investigation.When Will the SIT File the Charge Sheet?The Uttar Pradesh government told the Supreme Court that the charge sheet is expected to be filed by September 25.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the investigation was substantially complete. The September 25 deadline is significant because the statutory 90-day period from the first arrest expires around that time, after which the accused could become eligible for default bail if the charge sheet is not filed.The court directed that the charge sheet be filed before the jurisdictional Additional Sessions Judge and that a copy also be placed before the Supreme Court.What Evidence Did the SIT Examine?CCTV footage played an important role in identifying the alleged incidents and suspects. Investigators also examined hundreds of hours of surveillance footage along with digital receipts and bank records.The probe additionally involved recoveries, forensic examination and audit material to reconstruct how donations were allegedly removed before being deposited into designated bank accounts or lockers.The SIT also reported that valuables donated to the temple were accounted for and stored through the prescribed system. Receipts for valuables were generated through software, with articles stored in an SBI locker.What Did the Supreme Court Say?The Supreme Court took note of the SIT's status report during the hearing.The petitioners had sought a copy of the report, but the court declined the request at this stage. The bench said it did not want to take the investigation or related proceedings out of the jurisdiction of the sessions court.The court has, however, kept open the possibility of further investigation if considered necessary under the law.How Many People Have Been Arrested?Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged donation theft case.The FIR names Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, along with unidentified individuals. They have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.What Is the Ram Mandir Trust Doing?The donation controversy led to changes in the administration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.Former trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra were removed from their posts following the controversy. A CEO-led administrative structure was subsequently introduced, with former military officer Jitendra Mishra appointed as CEO.The investigation has also examined the handling of valuable items donated to the temple.What Happens Next in the Case?The immediate next step is the filing of the SIT charge sheet, which the Uttar Pradesh government has assured the Supreme Court will happen by September 25.The court will then consider the proceedings in accordance with the law. Further investigation could also remain possible if required.The Ram Mandir donation theft case has therefore moved into a crucial stage, with the CCTV findings and other evidence now forming part of the investigation placed before the Supreme Court.Timeline of Ram Mandir Donation Theft CaseJune 7, 2026: Allegations regarding irregularities in Ram Mandir donations surfaced.June 13: Uttar Pradesh government constituted the first SIT.June 26: Eight employees associated with donation handling and counting were arrested.July 2026: The Supreme Court intervened in the matter and directed further investigation.September 16: SIT submitted its status report to the Supreme Court.September 21: Court was informed that 105 alleged theft incidents were identified through CCTV footage.September 25: Deadline set for filing the charge sheet.
