The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the handling of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has widened its investigation, bringing priests and temple administrators under scrutiny as investigators uncover what sources describe as serious procedural lapses in the management of funds.
The probe, now in its sixth day, has moved beyond the examination of cash-counting procedures and is focusing on the temple's administrative functioning, accountability mechanisms and decision-making process.
According to sources, the SIT questioned senior temple functionary Anil Mishra for nearly three hours on Friday. Investigators are examining whether established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing donation handling and administrative responsibilities were properly followed.
One of the key findings emerging from the investigation is the alleged absence of formal chains of responsibility within the temple administration. Sources said several individuals working at the temple were carrying out critical duties without clearly defined roles assigned through written orders.
Instead, many operational decisions and day-to-day functions were reportedly executed on the basis of verbal instructions, raising questions over transparency, record-keeping and institutional accountability.
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The role of KD Tiwari, who oversees the sanctum sanctorum, has also come under the scanner as investigators seek to establish whether administrative lapses contributed to the alleged irregularities involving donation funds.
The controversy erupted on June 7 after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav cited media reports alleging that crores of rupees received as donations at the Ram Temple had gone missing. He called for judicial intervention and a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Since then, the issue has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the BJP and opposition parties. Yadav has claimed that the controversy has damaged Ayodhya's image and adversely affected businesses dependent on religious tourism. He has also demanded regular public updates on the SIT's findings.
Responding to the allegations, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly defended the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and accused opposition parties of attempting to tarnish the reputation of Ayodhya and the Ram Temple.
Addressing separate events in Ayodhya on Friday, Adityanath said the SIT investigation had been initiated at the request of the temple trust itself and expressed confidence that the inquiry would establish the facts.
As investigators continue to question temple personnel and examine administrative records, the probe is increasingly focused on whether systemic lapses rather than individual actions may have enabled the alleged irregularities.
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