Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Probe: SIT Reconstituted by UP Govt
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been reconstituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe alleged irregularities in donations to the Ayodhya Ram Temple. This action follows a Supreme Court directive for an independent investigation led by senior police officers. The reconstituted SIT will re-examine the handling of donations, including cash counting procedures and financial records, with a focus on ensuring transparency and accountability.
Key Highlights
- UP govt reconstitutes SIT for Ayodhya Ram Temple donation probe.
- Supreme Court ordered a fresh investigation under a senior IPS officer.
- New SIT to re-examine cash counting and financial records.
- Eight individuals arrested in connection with alleged donation theft.
- Trust implements reforms for increased transparency in donation handling.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating alleged irregularities and theft in the handling of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. This move comes in compliance with a directive from the Supreme Court, which emphasized the need for an independent probe led by experienced police officers to ensure the investigation reaches its logical conclusion. The newly formed SIT, comprising three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, is headed by Inspector General (IG) Kiran S, with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ayodhya Somen Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayodhya Dr Gaurav Grover as its members.. This follows the Supreme Court's hearing on July 13, 2026, where a bench expressed that the case required experienced investigators and directed the state to form a fresh SIT, submitting a status report by July 27.. The earlier SIT, which included Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar, had submitted a preliminary report around June 23, 2026, indicating prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during the donation counting process.. Key findings from CCTV footage reviewed for the period of April 27 to June 5, 2026, reportedly showed approximately 70 instances of counting staff concealing cash in clothing, pockets, and shoes, with some individuals assisting or shielding others.. The controversy first surfaced in early June 2026, following allegations, including those from former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey, claiming misappropriation of crores of rupees in donations.. In response, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested a probe, leading to the initial SIT's formation.. Based on the findings of the previous SIT, an First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 25, 2026, leading to the arrest of eight individuals associated with the cash and valuables counting.. Those arrested include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava (a retired bank supervisor), and Ramshankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav.. Police reportedly recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash, along with some foreign currency, from several of the accused.. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for offences including theft, criminal breach of trust, and conspiracy.. The reconstituted SIT has been tasked with further steps, including a potential re-audit of the trust's accounts over the past five years to examine broader financial irregularities, construction expenditures, and the handling of valuables like jewelry.. The Supreme Court has also directed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to preserve all donation receipts and accounts from the commencement of the temple's construction to facilitate scrutiny.. The controversy has prompted the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to implement administrative and religious reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and financial oversight. These reforms include the presence of an Assistant General Manager from Indian Bank and a representative from Swarna Rajat Finance during cash counting, as well as an overhaul of the donation counting process to prevent similar incidents.. The Supreme Court has cautioned against politicizing the issue, emphasizing that it is a matter of criminal law to be investigated impartially and taken to its logical conclusion.. The case is being closely monitored, with the Supreme Court expecting a status report by July 27, 2026..
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reconstituted for the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation probe?
The SIT was reconstituted by the Uttar Pradesh government following a Supreme Court directive that emphasized the need for an independent investigation led by senior police officers to ensure impartiality and effectiveness in probing alleged donation irregularities at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
What were the key findings of the initial SIT regarding the donation irregularities?
The initial SIT's preliminary report, based on CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5, 2026, indicated around 70 instances of counting staff allegedly concealing cash in their clothing and shoes, suggesting theft and pilferage during the donation counting process.
How many people have been arrested in connection with the alleged donation theft?
Eight individuals associated with the cash counting and handling of donations have been arrested by the Ayodhya Police in connection with the alleged embezzlement.
What measures are being taken to improve transparency in the handling of donations?
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is implementing reforms, including the presence of bank officials and financial representatives during cash counting, and an overhaul of the donation counting procedures to enhance transparency and accountability.