Ayodhya: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government has begun its on-ground investigation into allegations of irregularities and possible misappropriation of donations received at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The three-member team arrived in the temple city on Monday and held meetings with senior district officials, including the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, as it launched a comprehensive probe into the matter.
The controversy surfaced after reports and political allegations claimed that a significant amount of temple offerings may have gone missing during the counting and handling process. The issue gained national attention after opposition leaders raised concerns over transparency in the management of donations made by devotees. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered an SIT investigation, while the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust also backed an independent inquiry to establish the facts.
According to officials, the SIT’s primary focus will be to examine the money trail, verify donation records, and determine whether established procedures were followed during the counting, handling and banking of temple offerings. Investigators are expected to review financial documents, CCTV footage, staff records and bank transactions linked to the donation management process.
The probe has gained further significance following reports that cash was recovered during searches connected to a former temple worker allegedly linked to the case. However, family members of the individual have denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the assets under scrutiny were acquired through legitimate means.
Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Misra has expressed confidence in the investigation, stating that a transparent and impartial probe is essential to uncover the truth and maintain the trust of millions of devotees. He emphasized that the findings of the SIT would help strengthen accountability and public confidence in the temple’s administration.
The SIT is expected to submit its findings to the state government after completing the investigation, which is likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny in the coming weeks.
