U.P. SIT report on Ram Temple embezzlement an eyewash to save BJP-linked individuals, says Opposition

Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) described the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on Ram Temple embezzlement case as a farce and mere eyewash. Small people have been named as accused in the case. We are saying from day one that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is saving VHP-linked sizeable people close to the ruling dispensation. We are constantly demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe in the matter, only then the truth will come out,” said Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress unit president.

Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’ said: “The report should be produced public, selective leak in certain media through sources giving clean chit to Champat Rai, highlighting he is not involved in donation embezzlement, amounts to calculated strategy by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, to set a narrative in favour of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and save powerful people linked to the ruling dispensation. Only a Supreme Court-monitored probe can unearth the truth. This is a matter of faith.”

The report was prepared by the SIT constituted by the State government before the Supreme Court intervened in the matter. The Uttar Pradesh government formed the SIT on June 13 in response to allegations of misappropriation involving cash and valuables contributed to the temple.

On July 1, the State government extended the SIT’s duration by 15 days to finalise the inquiry. The SIT consists of Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General (Lucknow Range) Kiran S., and Special Secretary in the finance department Neelratan Kumar.