Ram temple donation row: Ayodhya magistrate steps in as SIT files preliminary findings

Ayodhya: The focus of the Ayodhya Ram temple donation controversy has now shifted to the ongoing investigation and administrative oversight of the temple's affairs. In the latest development, Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi has been placed in charge of temple-related duties as authorities continue examining allegations linked to donations received by the temple.

The development comes as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government. The report was handed over by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad. Officials have clarified that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional evidence is still being gathered.

The SIT was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 following allegations concerning the handling and accounting of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The inquiry is examining claims of possible misappropriation and discrepancies in donation records.

Meanwhile, a fresh petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the trust's financial affairs. The petition seeks registration of an FIR and the formation of a CBI-led SIT to probe alleged missing funds, financial irregularities and administrative lapses.

Petitioners have also requested directions to preserve all donation registers, audit reports, CCTV footage, bank records and digital data linked to the temple's finances. They argue that safeguarding records is essential to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the management of donations made by millions of devotees.

The petition further questions the scope of the ongoing state-level SIT inquiry, noting that the probe began without the registration of a formal FIR. According to the plea, an independent investigation may be necessary to establish the facts and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.

For now, the key update remains that the SIT's preliminary findings have reached the state government, the investigation is continuing, and administrative responsibility has reportedly shifted to District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi while scrutiny of the trust's financial management intensifies.