Ram Temple donation case: SIT likely to revisit Ayodhya, question trust members

Ram Temple Donation Case: SIT to Revisit Ayodhya, Investigate Trust Members

Ram Temple donation case – The Ram Temple donation case has gained renewed attention as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) extends its mandate to conduct a deeper probe into alleged financial misconduct linked to the construction of the iconic Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The team, led by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, is set to scrutinize the trust’s handling of donations, with a focus on whether funds were misappropriated or diverted for unauthorized purposes. This development comes as the SIT seeks to address public concerns about transparency and accountability in the temple’s financial operations.

Following initial findings, Pant submitted a preliminary report to state authorities on 23 June, which was forwarded to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad. The report outlines the SIT’s plans to revisit the Ayodhya case, emphasizing the need for additional scrutiny to uncover potential discrepancies in the trust’s financial records. The 15-day extension, effective from 1 July, aims to ensure a comprehensive examination of the alleged embezzlement of cash and valuables contributed by devotees, shedding light on how the funds were managed and where they may have gone.

Trust Reviews Banking Arrangements Amid Security Concerns

Security issues raised by the Ram Temple donation case have prompted the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to reassess its banking processes. Currently, all cash collected from donation boxes is stored at the State Bank of India (SBI) branch in Naya Ghat, Ayodhya, but the trust is now exploring alternatives to diversify its deposits across multiple banks or assign a new financial institution. This shift follows allegations that the SBI failed to implement necessary safeguards for handling large sums of money, raising questions about the security of funds.

“The SBI failed to apply essential safeguards for handling large sums of money,” said former trust general secretary Champat Rai during his testimony before the SIT. He highlighted the absence of mandatory frisking for staff counting donations, pocketless uniforms, and other security protocols typically used in high-value transactions. These lapses, Rai argued, created vulnerabilities that could have allowed theft or misuse of funds.

The SIT’s preliminary report also underscores repeated breaches of standard security procedures during cash handling, questioning whether oversight gaps contributed to the alleged theft. This comes after a recent meeting between trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri and private sector bank officials in Ayodhya, as reported by PTI. The trust is now working to strengthen its internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Expanded Financial Inquiry and Asset Tracking

As the probe deepens, investigators are now seeking details about the accused’s financial activities from the Income Tax Department, banks, and local administrative offices. This includes income records, bank accounts, and assets such as property and vehicles, to assess discrepancies in their wealth compared to known earnings. The focus is on verifying whether the assets of the accused are disproportionate to their income sources, which could indicate corruption or financial misconduct.

To date, eight individuals—including staff involved in donation counting—have been arrested in connection with the Ram Temple donation case. Authorities are cross-referencing banking transactions with land records, property registrations, and revenue documents to establish a clear link between the accused and the alleged misappropriation of funds. Additionally, police have recovered approximately ₹80 lakh in cash and some jewelry from detained suspects during the investigation, providing tangible evidence to support the case.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has also updated its security measures by discontinuing VIP passes that used the identification credentials of former officials Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Dr. Anil Mishra. These passes were invalidated after the three individuals resigned, as stated by PTI. The move reflects the trust’s efforts to restore public confidence and ensure that future financial transactions are transparent and secure.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Court will review a request for a seven-day custodial remand of two jailed suspects on 14 July. The police claim new evidence uncovered during the probe requires urgent verification and further asset recovery. This development underscores the ongoing legal battles and the SIT’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the financial irregularities in the Ram Temple donation case.