Prakash Mehra
Ayodhya: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing allegations of financial irregularities in the management of donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government. On Tuesday, the three-member SIT submitted its initial findings to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sanjay Prasad.
However, the investigation is not yet complete, and the SIT may require approximately seven more days to prepare its final report. The final report is expected to include all aspects of the investigation, facts, and conclusions in detail.
Senior Officials’ Team Conducting the Investigation
The SIT constituted by the state government is headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. The team also includes Inspector General (IG) of Police, Lucknow Range, Kiran S., and 2008-batch IPS officer Neelratan Kumar.
The SIT has been entrusted with examining the donations received by the temple, their accounting, management, and various related allegations. During the investigation, relevant documents, financial records, and administrative procedures are also being scrutinized.
How Did the Controversy Begin?
The issue of alleged irregularities in the Ram Temple donations came into the spotlight on June 7 when Samajwadi Party national president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav posted on social media platform X, alleging that “the accounts of crores of rupees linked to temple donations are not clear, and there is a possibility of misuse of funds.”
Following his allegations, a political debate began, and the matter quickly became a subject of public discussion. Opposition parties also demanded greater transparency.
Government Constitutes SIT
After the controversy gained momentum, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the formation of a three-member SIT to ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations. According to the government, the purpose of the inquiry is to verify the facts and remove any doubts among the public.
The state government further stated that the recommendation to constitute the SIT had come from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust itself. The Trust supported an independent investigation after the allegations surfaced so that the matter could be clarified.
What is the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust?
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the Central Government in 2019 following the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid dispute. The Trust has been entrusted with various administrative and financial responsibilities, including the construction of the Ram Temple, development of the temple complex, and management of donations and offerings.
Devotees from India and abroad contribute substantial donations to the temple, making financial management and transparency particularly important.
Trust Rejects Allegations
Trust General Secretary Champat Rai has dismissed all allegations of irregularities or financial misconduct related to temple donations as baseless. According to him, all financial transactions of the Trust are conducted under established procedures and accounting systems, and regular audits are also carried out.
However, amid the allegations and the Trust’s clarification, the SIT is independently examining all relevant facts.
Attention Focused on the Final Report
Following the submission of the preliminary report, all eyes are now on the SIT’s final report. It is expected that the final findings will clarify whether there is any substance to the allegations and whether any financial or administrative irregularities occurred.
Given the political and social sensitivity of the matter, there is widespread public interest across the state regarding the investigation. Once the inquiry is completed, detailed information is expected to be made public by both the government and the SIT.
