Ram Mandir Donations: Probe Flags Lapses, SC Orders Forensic Audit

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has been embroiled in a significant controversy surrounding alleged financial irregularities in the handling of devotee donations. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), initially constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, 2026, and subsequently reconstituted under Supreme Court directives, has uncovered serious lapses in the temple's donation management system. According to preliminary reports from the SIT, there were notable failures in the adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed for managing offerings. These lapses included inadequate security measures during cash counting, insufficient CCTV monitoring, and a lack of proper frisking protocols for personnel entering and exiting the counting areas. The probe also found that CCTV footage, which should have been retained for 180 days, was only preserved for 45 days, further hindering comprehensive oversight. Investigators identified nearly 70 suspicious instances in CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5, where cash-counting staff were allegedly seen concealing bundles of cash in their clothes, pockets, or shoes. The investigation has led to the arrest of eight individuals linked to the counting and handling of donations. Among the key findings, Ramashankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, the former driver of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, was allegedly found to have unauthorized access to the keys of several donation boxes, or 'hundis,' in direct violation of established rules. The State Bank of India (SBI), which oversees the temple's banking operations and employed staff through a private security agency for currency counting, was also implicated due to the reported negligence in the process. The controversy escalated with prominent political figures weighing in. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been particularly vocal, alleging a large-scale theft of up to Rs 200 crore in cash and valuables, and suggesting a deliberate cover-up by authorities. Kejriwal questioned the initial delay in registering FIRs and criticized the focus on arresting only junior-level employees, demanding a thorough investigation into the involvement of 'big names.' He also announced a nationwide signature campaign to press for strict punishment for those responsible. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, publicly termed the alleged donation theft a 'disgraceful blot' and expressed that everyone associated with the shrine felt 'humiliated and let down.' Misra has strongly advocated for a complete overhaul of the temple's management system and the appointment of a professional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure greater accountability and prevent future recurrences. In response to the growing public concern and legal scrutiny, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has initiated several administrative and religious reforms. These measures include overhauling the donation counting process to ensure the presence of independent banking oversight, with an Assistant General Manager of Indian Bank and a representative of Swarna Rajat Finance now mandated to be present during cash counting. The Trust also announced plans to upload monthly audit reports and regular updates on its official website, moving beyond the previous practice of annual financial audits shared only with trustees, thereby enhancing transparency. Furthermore, the Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amidst the scandal. The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the matter, hearing a batch of petitions seeking a fair and time-bound investigation, including calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. On July 27, 2026, the Supreme Court was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the Uttar Pradesh government had reconstituted the SIT, now headed by Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and agreed to the court's suggestion to include a forensic auditor in the team. The apex court cautioned against politicizing the issue, emphasizing that courts are not meant for politics and that the investigation must be fair and reach a logical conclusion. The SIT has been directed to submit a status report within two weeks. While initial recoveries have been reported (approximately Rs 78.94 lakh from some employees and Rs 2.25 lakh from the counting room), the exact scale of the alleged misappropriation is still under investigation. The SIT also dismissed social media claims regarding missing silver bricks and other valuable offerings due to a lack of evidence. The unfolding events underscore the critical importance of robust financial governance and transparency in religious institutions, particularly those managing substantial public donations. The reforms introduced by the Trust and the ongoing judicial and investigative scrutiny aim to restore public confidence and establish clearer accountability standards.

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