India, Aug. 4 -- LUCKNOW The investigation into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram temple has expanded to 12 districts across the state. The police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are now probing the properties and investments of the accused, their family members and close associates.

Officials said the investigation aims to trace funds allegedly siphoned from donation boxes and determine whether they were invested in benami assets.

Apart from Ayodhya, letters have been sent to district magistrates of Lucknow, Noida, Prayagraj, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Bahraich, Gonda, Basti, Ambedkar Nagar and Barabanki. They have been asked to provide details of immovable and benami properties linked to the accused.

SIT sources said the...