A significant controversy has emerged surrounding the management of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, prompting authorities to form a special investigation team to examine claims of missing funds.
On June 15, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government arrived at the temple complex to look into allegations of misappropriation of devotee contributions. The team was established on June 13 following a request from the temple trust to address concerns over potential irregularities in handling donations.
The SIT includes senior officials: Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary from the Finance Department Neel Ratan. Investigators have been tasked with submitting an initial report within seven days and a comprehensive final report within 15 days.
The issue gained prominence earlier in June when political figures raised questions about substantial sums donated by devotees reportedly going unaccounted for. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav described the situation as highly sensitive for followers of Lord Ram and criticized the lack of transparency from the trust and state authorities. He highlighted reports of theft from temple offerings and called for judicial intervention.
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The temple trust initially rejected these claims, stating that internal audits and joint reviews with banking representatives had revealed no discrepancies.
Tensions escalated as additional voices joined the debate. A local BJP leader from Ayodhya, Rajneesh Singh, wrote to the Prime Minister urging full public disclosure of all donations received since the temple’s inception and advocating for an independent probe to uphold transparency standards for an institution of such profound religious significance.
Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar expressed strong concerns, demanding strict action against anyone involved and emphasizing the sacrifices made by countless devotees during the temple movement. Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also alluded to knowledge of potential misuse without providing specifics.
The investigation intensified with the arrest of two temple officials. Police recovered approximately Rs 10 lakh in cash from the residence of Lav Kush Mishra, an employee involved in counting donations. It remains unclear whether this amount is directly linked to the broader allegations. Mishra’s family has denied any wrongdoing, suggesting the discovery may have been intended to implicate him.
During their extended visits to the site, SIT members questioned trust representatives and donation-handling staff, reviewed records of personnel movements, security measures, employee changes over the past year, donation documentation, and CCTV systems. The team continued its work on subsequent days.
Since the temple’s inauguration in January 2024, it has drawn enormous public support. Devotees contributed nearly Rs 3.17 crore on the first day of public access, with the first 11 days yielding around Rs 11 crore. Annual reports for FY 2024-25 indicate total earnings of about Rs 327 crore for the trust, including Rs 153 crore from donations and the remainder from interest.
The developments have also led to a public interest litigation in the Allahabad High Court seeking a broader central agency investigation and audit, along with appeals for higher judicial oversight. The SIT’s findings are expected to clarify the extent of any irregularities in managing these sacred contributions.