India, June 28 -- The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram temple zeroed in on what officials describe as a pattern of administrative and security lapses that may have enabled the alleged embezzlement over a prolonged period, said officials familiar with the investigation.

The three-member SIT, comprising Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, inspector general of police (Lucknow) Kiran S and special secretary (finance) Neel Ratan, submitted its interim report to the state on June 23 but its probe is continuing, said the officials. The SIT's preliminary findings also pointed to multiple systemic deficiencies, including alleged violations of standard operating procedures, ina...