NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Monday sought a status report from the Uttar Pradesh government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The court also sought a response from the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust."We direct SIT constituted by the State of Uttar Pradesh to submit a status report . Post this matter for further consideration on next Monday. Please also mention the composition of SIT in the status report", the Court said, as quoted by ANI

The petitions sought a forensic audit and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) review of the Trust's accounts, alleging financial irregularities and inadequate oversight. Petitioners have questioned the Uttar Pradesh government's ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry, arguing that it began without an FIR and should instead be handled by an independent agency.The matter will next be heard on July 20.

The hearing comes as the state-appointed SIT continues its investigation after eight people were arrested in the case. Preliminary findings reportedly point to repeated thefts, security lapses in the temple's counting room and suspicious incidents captured on CCTV. The allegations have sparked a political row, with the Uttar Pradesh government assuring strict action against those found guilty.