Ayodhya, (Uttar Pradesh) June 19, 2026 : The alleged theft and mismanagement of donations received at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has led to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. The Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member SIT after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the handling of temple donation funds.
The investigation has triggered a political debate, with leaders from different parties reacting to the allegations and the ongoing probe.
Why was the SIT formed?
The controversy began after claims were raised about possible discrepancies in the money collected through donations at the Ram Mandir. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested an independent investigation to establish the facts and address concerns over the management of funds.
The SIT includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team is examining the donation collection process, records, and the roles of people involved in handling the funds.
What is the SIT investigating?
The probe is looking into allegations related to:
Collection and counting of cash donations
Procedures followed during donation handling
Records maintained by officials and staff
Possible financial irregularities or misuse of funds
The SIT has questioned members connected with the temple trust and the donation counting process as part of the inquiry.
Trust’s response
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied any wrongdoing and said that donation accounts undergo audits. Trust officials have maintained that the investigation will help bring clarity and counter claims they consider misleading.
Trust officials have also said that transparency and accountability are important to protect the faith of devotees who contribute to the temple.
Political reactions over Ram Mandir donation probe
The SIT investigation into the alleged Ram Mandir donation theft has triggered political reactions from leaders across parties, with different views emerging over the controversy.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the SIT probe, calling it an “insult to Sanatana Dharma” and questioned why such an investigation was required at the temple.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh filed a complaint alleging corruption and demanded strict action, including an FIR and accountability in the matter.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hit back at critics during the controversy, accusing some opposition leaders of political opportunism and questioning their earlier positions on the Ram Mandir issue.
Temple committee’s view
Ram Temple Construction Committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra said there would be no leniency in the investigation and stressed that both accountability and future improvements were necessary to maintain devotees’ trust.
What happens next?
The SIT will continue examining financial records, donation systems, and statements from people connected with the process. The final findings will determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence or not.
Ends.
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