Ayodhya Ram temple donation case: UP Police says probe largely complete, chargesheet due next month
The Uttar Pradesh Police have said that several aspects of the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of donations meant for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya have been completed. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Ayodhya Gaurav Grover said the probe must be completed within 90 days and the chargesheet is to be filed in court by the end of next month.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday (August 8, 2026), Mr. Grover said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is not conducting a separate investigation but is coordinating with the police as a high-level advisory body. The SIT is chaired by IGP Lucknow Kiran S, who has five years of experience with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Mr. Grover added that he is continuously monitoring the investigation at the local level and providing guidance.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered on June 25 at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station, eight accused have been sent to jail. They are Tinnu Yadav, a close aide of former temple trust general secretary Champat Rai; counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava; Ramashankar Mishra; Manish Yadav; Karunesh; Lavkush Mishra; Anukalp; and Avinash Shukla. Police took all eight on remand and interrogated them.
The Supreme Court, on July 27, was informed by the Uttar Pradesh government that it had constituted a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe the alleged embezzlement. The court then asked the state to include a forensic auditor as the fifth member of the SIT and to submit its first status report within two weeks.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana noted the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, that the SIT was formed through a notification issued on July 25, following the apex court's suggestion. Besides the IGP, the SIT will include a DIG-rank officer, a Senior Superintendent of Police, and an Additional Superintendent of Police.
On July 20, the Bench had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider the possibility of setting up an SIT to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations.
Investigating Officer and Circle Officer of Ayodhya, Ashutosh Tiwari, said that based on the facts that emerged during questioning, documentation is being updated and the investigation is being taken forward.
Separately, Kalika Mishra, president of the Faizabad Bar Association, said the Bar is determined to take action against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao. He said that if their names are not included in the FIR, the association will soon approach the court to get an FIR registered against them.
