A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe alleged embezzlement of funds and offerings at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is likely to submit its 150-page preliminary report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, sources said.
The SIT, formed on June 13 by the Uttar Pradesh government following allegations of misappropriation of donations, has been examining discrepancies in the accounting and management of offerings made by devotees at the temple.
According to sources, one of the key findings of the probe relates to inconsistencies in the documentation of valuable offerings such as gold, silver jewellery, and precious stones, including diamonds. Investigators reportedly found gaps in records and accounting practices linked to these items.
During questioning, several office-bearers of the temple trust allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the inventory, storage, and accounting of such valuables, raising concerns over possible irregularities.
The SIT has also directed trust members and functionaries not to leave Ayodhya while the investigation is ongoing.
Officials suspect that major lapses may have occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela period in January-February 2025, when the temple saw an unprecedented influx of devotees. Sources indicated that nearly 10 lakh devotees visited the temple daily during the peak period, with donation boxes reportedly filling up within hours, making monitoring and accounting a significant challenge.
The SIT was given a seven-day deadline to submit its preliminary report and 15 days for the final report. Findings gathered so far have been compiled and are expected to be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office shortly. Investigators have also been sending daily updates to the government.
The probe is not limited to alleged embezzlement of offerings but also covers land purchases made by the temple trust and procurement of construction materials. Allegations have surfaced that land was purchased at rates significantly higher than market value, an issue raised by several political parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar has alleged that attempts are being made to shield those involved, claiming that the lack of strict action suggests a possible cover-up. He called for the registration of an FIR and immediate arrests of those accused.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the pace of the investigation, alleging that delays could allow for tampering of evidence. In a post on social media, he claimed that extensions in deadlines were enabling the destruction of evidence.
Meanwhile, religious leaders have expressed concern while urging faith in the investigation. Mahant Dharmadas Baba strongly condemned the alleged irregularities, calling them a “reprehensible act” and asserting that strict punishment must follow if wrongdoing is proven. He also expressed confidence in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure justice.
Similarly, Mahant Sanjay Das Maharaj appealed for restraint, urging people to avoid speculation and place trust in the SIT’s impartial and transparent probe.
The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. Further investigation is ongoing, and the final report is expected within the stipulated timeframe.
Also read: CCTV data gap hampers Ram Temple donation probe
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