A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has commenced its investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, focusing on collection, counting, and storage systems within the temple complex. SIT reached the temple premises around 2.53 pm on Monday and, after offering prayers, began its inspection. Team members examined donation boxes where devotees deposit cash offerings, reviewed the counting process, and inspected facilities used for storing cash and valuables. They also sought CCTV footage and questioned personnel who keep a check on the donations.
It is learnt that investigators scrutinised documents related to temple administration, banking transactions, donor contributions, and the temple trust's handling of funds. SIT also held discussions with district officials, including the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, security personnel, and representatives associated with the temple administration. To facilitate the probe, an SIT office is being set up at the Ayodhya Tirtha Kshetra Vikas Parishad premises in Civil Lines.
Investigators are focusing on CCTV footage, records of cash counting, and any discrepancies between donations collected from offering boxes and amounts deposited in bank accounts. Some CCTV footage has reportedly been taken into custody for further examination.
Sources indicated that five temple employees have come under scrutiny. Allegations under review include unexplained assets, irregular cash transactions, and sudden lifestyle changes among certain staff members. However, no official confirmation or statement has been issued regarding these claims.
The investigation follows allegations made by former temple accountant Mahipal Singh, who claimed large-scale irregularities in temple donations amounting to around Rs 7 crore. He also alleged that CCTV footage spanning several months had been deleted. Acting on these claims, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested a government inquiry, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute an SIT comprising senior officials.
Meanwhile, speaking in Varanasi on Monday, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged large-scale corruption related to temple donations and land transactions. He claimed that irregularities involving offerings and land purchases were compromising devotees’ faith and demanded a fair investigation.
Referring to a specific land deal, Singh alleged that 0.645 hectares of Nazul land in Ayodhya — valued by the government at around Rs 2.92 crore — was purchased by the temple trust for Rs 24 crore. He questioned the validity of the transaction, claiming that the land continues to be recorded as Nazul land in official records.
Singh further alleged that financial irregularities exceeding Rs 200 crore may have been in matters related to temple donations and offerings, and claimed that multiple employees were under scrutiny. He called for accountability and raised concerns over the functioning of oversight mechanisms.
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