LUCKNOW, July 16 -- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is likely to submit its much-awaited final report to the Uttar Pradesh government within the next 48 hours, even as senior officials remained tight-lipped on Wednesday over the status of the confidential investigation.

The three-member SIT, whose deadline ended on July 15 after receiving an extension earlier this month, is understood to be in the final stages of compiling its findings. Highly placed sources said investigators are giving the report its final shape after completing scrutiny of financial records, CCTV footage, security protocols and statements of those examined during the probe.

Despite the deadline ...