Supreme Court Orders Preservation of CCTV Footage in Ram Temple Theft Investigation

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Government, the Central Government, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in connection with the alleged donation theft case at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The court also directed the Uttar Pradesh Government to submit a detailed status report on the investigation. The apex court instructed that the status report should include comprehensive details about the Special Investigation Team (SIT), including information regarding the investigating officers handling the case. Additionally, the court ordered that the CCTV footage related to the matter be preserved to ensure that crucial evidence remains available during the investigation. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, informed the court that the status report would be submitted in a sealed cover. In response, the Supreme Court clarified that the report must contain complete information regarding the constitution and functioning of the SIT. After considering the submissions, the court scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 20, when it is expected to review the status report and the progress of the investigation.