Allegations of missing donations, questionable land deals and financial irregularities have thrust the Ayodhya Ram Temple into an unprecedented controversy, prompting a high-level SIT investigation ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Uttar Pradesh: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in donations and financial management at Ayodhya's Ram Temple is expected to submit its preliminary report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The investigation has triggered political controversy, raised questions about the handling of devotees' offerings, and brought renewed scrutiny to land purchases linked to the temple project.
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What is the Ram Temple donation row?
The controversy centres on allegations that offerings made by devotees at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya may have been misappropriated or improperly accounted for. Questions have also been raised about land purchases and financial transactions linked to the temple's construction and management.
The issue gained prominence after reports emerged alleging discrepancies in the handling of donations, including cash, gold, silver jewellery and precious stones offered by devotees. In response, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested an investigation, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Why was the SIT formed?
On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT to investigate the allegations.
The team includes:
- Vijay Vishwas Pant, Divisional Commissioner, Lucknow
- Kiran S, Inspector General of Police
- Neel Ratan, Special Secretary, Finance Department
The committee was tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry and submitting both preliminary and final reports to the state government.
What has the investigation examined?
Over six days, investigators reportedly scrutinised multiple aspects of temple operations, including:
- Collection and counting of donations
- CCTV footage from temple premises
- Procedures for transporting offerings to banks
- Documentation of gold, silver and precious stones
- Temple trust financial records
- Utilisation of donation funds
- Land purchases linked to the temple project
- Procurement of construction materials
Investigators also collected bank account details of individuals under scrutiny and reportedly reviewed records dating back to 2021.
What are the major findings so far?
According to people familiar with the probe, the names of around 150 individuals have surfaced during the investigation, while action may be considered against approximately 25 persons.
Sources associated with the probe claim that investigators found discrepancies in records relating to gold ornaments, silver jewellery, diamonds and other valuable offerings made by devotees.
Some trust-linked officials reportedly struggled to provide satisfactory explanations regarding inventory management, storage systems and accounting procedures for these valuables.
The SIT has also focused on the period of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in early 2025, when enormous crowds visited the temple.
Why is the Maha Kumbh period important?
Investigators believe the period surrounding the 2025 Maha Kumbh may hold crucial clues.
According to sources, nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the peak pilgrimage period. Donation boxes were reportedly filling rapidly with cash and valuables, creating logistical and accounting challenges.
The sheer volume of offerings has become a central focus of the investigation, with authorities trying to determine whether existing monitoring systems were adequate to handle the unprecedented inflow.
What about the ₹2 crore recovery claim?
Officials involved in the probe have stated that recoveries worth approximately ₹2 crore have been made based on information provided by five individuals associated with donation counting operations.
The individuals named in reports include:
- Lavkush
- Avnish
- Anukalp
- Karune
- Ramshankar alias Tinnu
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the exact nature of these recoveries or whether criminal charges will follow.
What is the land purchase controversy?
The SIT is also examining allegations related to land acquisitions undertaken by the temple trust.
Previous political controversies centred on claims that certain land parcels were purchased at prices significantly above prevailing market rates. Reports have alleged that some acquisitions were made at values 500 to 800 per cent higher than market estimates.
The issue had previously been raised by opposition parties, which questioned the transparency of the transactions.
Investigators are reviewing documents linked to these purchases as part of the broader financial inquiry.
Why are political parties reacting strongly?
The investigation has quickly become a political flashpoint.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar has alleged that there appears to be an attempt to shield those responsible if stronger legal action is not taken. He argued that an FIR, arrests and custodial questioning should follow if wrongdoing is established.
Akhilesh Yadav from Samajwadi Party questioned whether the SIT would be allowed to function independently and impartially. He described the allegations as disturbing and said devotees' faith had been affected by the reports.
Neither the Uttar Pradesh BJP government nor temple authorities have publicly accepted the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusions have been announced.
What happens next?
The preliminary report is expected to be submitted to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The report could determine:
- Whether criminal cases are recommended
- Whether FIRs should be registered
- Whether arrests or disciplinary actions are warranted
- Whether financial procedures within the temple trust need reform
- Whether further investigations into land purchases are necessary
Investigators have reportedly instructed several trust and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya until further directions are issued.
Why does this case matter?
The Ayodhya Ram Temple is one of India's most significant religious and cultural projects, attracting millions of devotees and receiving substantial donations from across the country and abroad.
Any allegation involving temple offerings carries enormous public sensitivity because the funds are donated by worshippers as expressions of faith. The outcome of the SIT investigation is therefore likely to have implications not only for accountability and financial transparency but also for public confidence in the management of one of India's most prominent religious institutions.
Published: 22 Jun 2026, 09:19 am IST
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