The story so far
Amid the uproar over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the second week of June, the Uttar Pradesh administration appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The team — comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector-General (Lucknow Range) S. Kiran and Special Secretary in the Finance Department Neelratan Kumar — submitted its preliminary report to the State government on June 23, uncovering prima facie evidence of theft and pilferage during counting of donations at the temple. Based on the SIT’s findings, the Trust filed a petition for the registration of a first information report (FIR).
What did the SIT report reveal?
A large segment of the SIT report, obtained by The Hindu, indicates that investigators were only able to analyse CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5. While other employees appeared to assist or shield such actions, the footage consistently shows certain counting staff concealing bundles of currency notes and loose cash within their clothing, pockets, shoes and other hidden areas. The SIT identified around 70 suspected incidents of theft or pilferage during the period examined.
“We were able to monitor 70 suspected theft or pilferage incidents during the examined timeframe in the CCTV records,” the report states.
SIT submits final report to Ram Janmabhoomi Trust in Ayodhya temple donation theft case
Though the absence of earlier CCTV footage limited the assessment of their extent, the report adds that based on employee testimonies and discrepancies between counted cash and bank deposits, similar incidents may have occurred before April 27. The SIT also gathered testimonies from Trust office-holders, bank staff, security personnel, and counting employees, alongside bank records, seizure documents and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
What were the security lapses?
The report found that key security measures outlined in the Trust’s SOPs — including frisking, biometric attendance, restrictions on personal items and CCTV monitoring — had not been adequately implemented, creating an environment conducive to theft and pilferage. The SIT identified procedural weaknesses in the handling of valuable donations, including irregularities in documentation, weighing and sealing processes.
Who are the prime accused?
Police take three jailed accused in Ram Temple donations embezzlement case Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey from 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg for further proceedings, in Ayodhya | Photo Credit: ANI
Drawing on CCTV footage, recovery records, financial documents and witness statements, the SIT named Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra as having prima facie involvement in the case. Mr. Shukla and Mr. While the others were noted for assisting or participating in similar activities, yadav were frequently observed removing or hiding cash. Mr. Yadav’s appointment as counting staff had reportedly come on the recommendation of Ram Shankar Yadav, alias Tinnu.
What are the next steps?
After initial findings that pointed to significant anomalies and irregularities, the SIT is expected to conduct a re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s accounts for the past five years. The re-audit is expected to focus on construction-related expenditure as well as jewellery and other gold and silver items received as donations, alongside a broader examination of the Trust’s financial records over the five-year period. The team has already made a number of visits to Ayodhya and is expected to return to continue the probe.
Could there be more to this case?
The SIT’s initial findings have triggered a wider debate in Uttar Pradesh. According to Retired police officers have, the CCTV footage, covering a limited timeframe, represents merely the tip of the iceberg, given that significantly larger donations were probable received during the Maha Kumbh owing to the high influx of visitors.
“If CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 is accessible, then the evidence available is just a glimpse of a larger organised corruption, as the number of pilgrims during events like the Maha Kumbh is considerably higher, leading to potentially substantial donation amounts that may have been misappropriated by an organised group,” said Vibhuti Narain Rai, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served at Director-General (DG) rank and headed the Lucknow Zone of the U.P. Police, which includes Ayodhya district.
What the Opposition is saying
The Congress has also called on an independent forensic and financial investigation, saying that when serious concerns are raised concerning the temple’s offerings, financial management and administrative practices, citizens rightfully expect clarity, transparency and accountability from the administration.
“In light of the serious questions being posed regarding the temple’s offerings, financial management and administrative processes, the populace naturally anticipates similar clarity, transparency and accountability from the Prime Minister. While he takes pride in the temple’s construction, he must also acknowledge responsibility for the misappropriation of offerings,” stated U.P. Congress chief Ajay Rai.
Published – July 09, 2026 11:17 am IST
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