SIT Restricts Movement of Temple Officials
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has instructed trust and temple functionaries not to leave the city, according to temple sources. The directive was issued before the three-member SIT departed for Lucknow on Sunday.
Investigators have reportedly found discrepancies in the documentation and accounting of offerings, including gold, silver, and precious stones donated by devotees to Lord Ram.
Key Findings on Offerings and Donations
Temple sources said that several office-bearers of the temple trust failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the inventory, storage, and accounting of gold, silver ornaments, and other valuable items received as offerings. The sources alleged that major irregularities may have occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January-February 2025, when the temple witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees.
Nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the over-two-month period, and donation boxes were reportedly filled with currency notes within hours, making monitoring and accounting a major focus of the SIT's investigation.
Daily Reports Sent to Chief Minister
According to temple sources, daily investigation reports, including questioning of trust officials and other connected persons, have been saved in digital form. The final report will be presented to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Meanwhile, the SIT has been sending findings to the Chief Minister's Office on a daily basis.
The sources said the probe is not limited to alleged fund embezzlement but has also covered land purchases by the temple trust and procurement of building materials. The trust allegedly purchased land at rates several times higher than market value, an issue raised by political parties including the Samajwadi Party and Aam Aadmi Party.
SIT Composition and Background
On June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted the SIT at the request of the temple trust following allegations of misappropriation of donations. The team comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.
