ARTICLE AD BOX
Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 01:19 IST
Kejriwal claimed that the SIT lacked legal authority, arguing that under the law, an SIT cannot be constituted without the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal (Photo: PTI file)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned the legality of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, calling it a “farzi" (fake) SIT and alleging that it was created to shield those responsible.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal claimed that the SIT lacked legal authority, arguing that under the law, an SIT cannot be constituted without the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
“The SIT has no real powers. Under the law, no SIT can be formed without an FIR. I want to ask under which section of which law this SIT has been constituted. There is no such provision. This SIT has no power to summon anyone, no power to arrest anyone, and no power to conduct raids. It cannot do anything. It has only been created to cover up the matter, to hush it up, and to protect the big names involved," Kejriwal alleged.
Referring to an earlier SIT constituted in connection with alleged land irregularities in Ayodhya in 2021, Kejriwal claimed that no FIR had been registered in that case either and alleged that the probe had yielded no outcome.
“In 2021, allegations had surfaced of major leaders and officials purchasing land in Ayodhya and carrying out large-scale irregularities. Even then, an SIT was formed, but no FIR was registered. Even today, there is no trace of that SIT. In a few days, people will forget about this SIT as well. This SIT is also not going to do anything," Kejriwal said.
He further alleged that media reports suggest only lower-level employees are being questioned, while those allegedly responsible at higher levels remain untouched.
“If such large-scale theft of offerings had been going on for months or years, it could not have happened without the involvement or protection of higher authorities. The real perpetrators are being shielded while only lower-level staff are being investigated," he claimed.
Questioning the state government’s handling of the case, Kejriwal asked why the matter had not been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“If their intention is truly to catch the real culprits, then why is this matter not being handed over to the CBI and ED? Today, every Hindu and every Sanatani is asking why no FIR has been registered yet and why the case is not being transferred to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and ED (Enforcement Directorate)," he said.
Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Sanjay Singh also criticised the SIT, calling it a mere “jhunjhuna" (eyewash). He said he had written to the SIT on June 20 seeking time to present evidence.
Singh alleged that he possesses evidence of irregularities in land transactions linked to the Ram Mandir project, claiming that land parcels were purchased at prices significantly higher than their market value.
He also alleged that 260 kg of silver, along with offerings including Lord Ram’s padukas and a necklace, had been stolen, while claiming that no arrests had been made and no FIR had been registered despite the alleged recovery of stolen items.
“These ‘chanda-chors’ are being protected, which clearly means the entire ‘ED Party’ from top to bottom is involved. No ED or CBI investigation has taken place so far," Singh alleged.
Calling for a court-monitored investigation, Singh said that since the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted following Supreme Court directions, any probe should also be conducted under judicial oversight to restore public confidence.
“Since the Supreme Court formed the trust, there should have been a time-bound SIT under its monitoring, and the guilty should have been sent to jail to restore public trust. Instead, only formalities and speeches are happening," he said.
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ...Read More
Location :
Delhi, India, India
News india Kejriwal Questions Legality Of UP Govt's Ram Mandir SIT, Demands CBI-ED Probe
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
1 hour ago
5





English (US) ·