The Home Department of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday handed over the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) final report concerning the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust. This significant development comes as the probe into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations intensifies.
The SIT’s final report represents a substantial step forward in the ongoing investigation. Sources indicate that the Uttar Pradesh government has taken necessary actions following the SIT’s findings, submitted directly to the temple trust. The allegations surround a systematic theft that reportedly involved contributions made by devotees.
Reconstituted earlier this year, the Special Investigation Team includes three senior IPS officers, reflecting the investigation’s serious nature. IG Kiran S heads the new SIT, supported by DIG Ayodhya Somen Verma and SSP Ayodhya Dr. Gaurav Grover. This revamped team aims to reinforce the integrity of the probe, replacing the earlier SIT that featured Lucknow Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar.
On Monday, the Supreme Court addressed the status report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the SIT’s investigation. It determined that the report cannot be shared with petitioners or other parties at this stage. However, CJI Surya Kant permitted public-minded individuals to offer suggestions through the Solicitor General, who will present them to the SIT.
The alleged multi-lakh rupee donation scam has sparked widespread concern. Accusations of theft and embezzlement suggest that temple employees and even bank staff may have been involved in systematic pilfering of funds meant for the shrine. As a result, opposition parties have intensified their demands for accountability.
So far, eight individuals linked to the investigation have faced arrest. The suspects, including Avinash Shukla, Ankalp Mishra, and others, have been placed in judicial remand. Their arrests follow a formal complaint lodged by Krishanmohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, at the Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station on June 25.
This complaint outlines a conspiracy among temple staff tasked with counting and managing donations, accusing them of stealing from the offerings. The irregularities have ignited political debate and confrontation, particularly between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine the claims surrounding the alleged donation fraud. With broader accountability issues at stake, the resolution of this case may have implications beyond the temple itself, affecting political dynamics and public trust.
