Ayodhya Ram Mandir Donation Row: Why UP Government Formed SIT and What the Probe Has Found So Far

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government has begun investigating allegations of misappropriation of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. The probe follows claims by opposition leaders and some BJP figures that crores of rupees donated by devotees may be unaccounted for. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied any irregularities and said internal audits have not found discrepancies.

SIT Begins Investigation in Ayodhya

The SIT, comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan, reached Ayodhya after the state government ordered an inquiry on June 13.

The team has been asked to submit a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days. During its visit, the SIT reviewed donation collection and counting procedures, examined security protocols, inspected CCTV monitoring systems and scrutinised records related to temple donations.

Investigators also questioned trust members and staff involved in counting donations and preparing cash deposits. Ram Mandir Donation Scam Exposed: VHP Sounds Alarm Over QR Code Fraud To Loot Devotees.

How the Controversy Began

The issue came into the spotlight after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that crores of rupees donated to the Ram Mandir had gone missing. Calling the matter sensitive for devotees, Yadav questioned the transparency of the donation management system and demanded accountability.

In response, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai rejected the allegations. He said regular audits are conducted with the involvement of trust representatives and the State Bank of India, and no discrepancies had been detected. Ayodhya Ram Mandir: WhatsApp Message Offering Free VIP Entry Into Ram Mandir Is Fake, Watch Video to Know How Fraudsters are Scamming Devotees.

BJP Leaders Also Raise Questions

The controversy widened after BJP leader Rajneesh Singh wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking public disclosure of funds received by the temple trust since its inception. He argued that devotees have a right to know how donations and valuables contributed to the temple are being utilised.

Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also claimed to be aware of alleged irregularities but did not provide details publicly.

Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar described the allegations as serious and called for strict action if wrongdoing is established.

Arrest of Two Temple Employees

The investigation took a new turn when police arrested two individuals associated with temple operations. According to reports, authorities recovered around INR 10 lakh in cash from the residence of Lav Kush Mishra, an employee reportedly involved in counting donations.

Officials have not confirmed whether the recovered cash is linked to the alleged donation irregularities. Mishra's family has denied any wrongdoing and alleged that he is being falsely implicated.

Police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Legal Challenges and Demands for Wider Probe

The controversy has also reached the courts. A public interest litigation has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of temple finances.

Separately, a letter has reportedly been sent to the Chief Justice of India requesting Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the allegations.

Ram Mandir's Donation Collection

Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2024, the Ram Mandir has received substantial donations from devotees across India and abroad.

According to figures released by the trust, the temple received nearly INR 3.17 crore in donations on its first day of public opening. During the first 11 days, donations reportedly crossed INR 11 crore.

The trust's annual reports show earnings of nearly INR 327 crore during FY 2024-25, including approximately INR 153 crore in donations and around INR 173 crore in interest income.

What Happens Next?

The SIT is expected to continue examining financial records, security systems and operational procedures before submitting its findings to the Uttar Pradesh government. Authorities have not yet established whether any donation funds were misappropriated.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the outcome of the SIT report is likely to determine whether further action or a broader probe is required.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 11:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).