SIT Flags Discrepancies In Ram Temple Offerings Records
Sources said the SIT has directed temple trust members and functionaries not to leave Ayodhya. The instruction was issued before the three-member team left for Lucknow
New Delhi, Lucknow, Ayodhya: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of funds in the Ram temple Ayodhya met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, amid indications that a preliminary report may have been submitted.
Sources said the SIT has directed temple trust members and functionaries not to leave Ayodhya. The instruction was issued before the three-member team left for Lucknow.
According to sources, investigators have found discrepancies in the documentation and accounting of offerings, including gold, silver and precious stones made by devotees.
During questioning, several trust office-bearers were unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding inventory, storage and accounting of ornaments and valuables received as offerings, sources alleged.
The SIT is also examining possible irregularities during the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January-February 2025, when the temple witnessed a surge in footfall. Sources said nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the period, with donation boxes reportedly filling up within hours, posing challenges for monitoring and accounting.
Officials said daily investigation reports, including statements recorded during questioning, have been documented digitally and will be consolidated before submission to the Chief Minister. The SIT has been sending updates to the Chief Minister’s office on a daily basis.
The probe has also been expanded to include scrutiny of land purchases by the temple trust and procurement of construction materials. Sources alleged that land had been purchased at rates significantly higher than prevailing market prices, an issue earlier raised by political parties including the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party.
The SIT was constituted by the state government on June 13 following a request from the temple trust over allegations of misappropriation of donations.
The three-member team comprises Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S., and finance department special secretary Neel Ratan.
