Ram Temple Donation Probe: SIT Completes Initial Inquiry; Opposition Demands FIR

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate allegations of donation embezzlement at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has completed its preliminary probe. The three-member team, led by IAS officer Vijay Vishwas Pant, is expected to submit its initial report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath soon, according to sources.

The SIT was constituted on June 13 following a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the temple. The trust has consistently denied any misappropriation of funds, stating that all donations and valuables offered by devotees are handled through established procedures involving counting, verification, and secure deposit.

Based on the SIT's findings, the process of donation collection and deposition, as well as the roles of individuals within the trust, may be reviewed. Besides Pant, the team includes Inspector General of Police Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified their criticism of the state and central governments over the allegations. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned why no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the case. He alleged that cash and valuables worth around Rs 200 crore were missing from the temple. “If such serious allegations have emerged, why have neither the Uttar Pradesh Police nor central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate or the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR?” he asked.

Kejriwal further suggested that “influential individuals” might be involved and that a thorough investigation could have political repercussions. “There are many big names involved. If proper action is taken, it could throw the government out of balance,” he said, questioning whether protecting the government was being prioritized over the faith of devotees.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh reiterated the allegations, claiming that jewellery and other offerings had gone missing. Samajwadi Party leader and former minister Pawan Pandey called for a meeting of prominent Hindu religious figures, including Shankaracharyas and saints, to decide the temple's administrative framework. “The government may provide support, but decisions should be taken according to the views of saints and religious leaders,” he said.

The SIT's report is awaited, and the political discourse around the issue continues to evolve.