SIT tells Supreme Court: 105 unauthorized currency removals at Ayodhya temple

The Supreme Court reviewed the status report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the progress of this criminal investigation.

Who it concerns: Petitioners: Ajay Kumar Rai & Anr.; Respondents: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble The Chief Justice, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Hon'ble Mrs. Justice V. Mohana.

What the court decided

• The Court took note of the SIT's status report filed on 16.09.2026.
• The Court noted that CCTV examination revealed 105 instances of unauthorized currency removal or concealment from the counting room.
• The Court noted that the investigation is substantially completed and the SIT intends to file the charge sheet on or before 25.09.2026.
• The Court directed that a copy of the charge sheet be provided to the Court after it is filed.
• The Court listed the matter for further consideration on 02.11.2026.

Also in the document

• The SIT reported that 173 witness statements had been recorded as of 14.09.2026.
• Verification of 803 valuable articles stored in a State Bank of India locker showed no discrepancies.
• The Court stated it would ensure no order impacts the jurisdictional court's authority while reviewing the charge sheet.