The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya has now escalated into a formal government investigation, with the Uttar Pradesh government ordering a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the matter in detail.
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High-Level Probe Ordered by Chief Minister
Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the three-member SIT has been tasked with probing allegations related to alleged manipulation in donation records, discrepancies in cash counting processes, and the spread of unverified claims circulating on social media. Officials said the objective of the inquiry is to ensure transparency in the handling of offerings and protect public trust associated with the temple institution.
According to the official order, the SIT will conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit its findings to the state government. Authorities have emphasized that the inquiry is intended to bring clarity to the situation and address concerns raised in public discourse.
The investigation team will be led by Vijay Vishwas Pant, Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow. Other members include Kiran S., Inspector General of Police (Lucknow Range), and Neel Ratan, Special Secretary (Finance). The team has been instructed to examine all aspects related to donation management, including cash handling systems, documentation processes, and security arrangements at donation counters.
Officials said the SIT will also review procedural compliance in recording, storage, and banking of donated funds, along with verifying whether established protocols were followed during cash counting operations.
Background and Central Intervention
The issue gained attention following a series of claims and counter-claims regarding alleged irregularities in the management of offerings at the temple trust. While the trust initially dismissed allegations of any financial misconduct, internal reviews were reportedly initiated as concerns persisted in public discussions.
Subsequently, reports from internal assessments and administrative observations led to further scrutiny. A senior member associated with the temple construction committee, Nripendra Mishra, is said to have reviewed the situation and submitted inputs at the central level.
Sources indicate that after communications linked to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the trust itself requested a formal investigation to ensure transparency and to counter misinformation circulating online. Following this request, the state government proceeded with the formation of the SIT.
Chronological Timeline of Events
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly over June:
On June 5, security personnel reportedly detained a suspicious individual, with claims of cash recovery emerging from the incident. On June 6, staff involved in donation counting were questioned regarding procedures. Political allegations regarding irregularities surfaced on June 7, followed by reports of cash-related discrepancies during internal checks on June 8.
On June 9, allegations linked to a former accountant gained traction on social media platforms. On June 10, Nripendra Mishra visited Ayodhya to assess the situation. He later submitted a report to the central government on June 11. Meetings and consultations with stakeholders were reported on June 12. Finally, on June 13, the Uttar Pradesh government officially announced the formation of the SIT.
Auditing and Future Regulatory Steps
The SIT will now examine whether donation collection and accounting systems were properly implemented and whether financial records match physical cash flows. It will also analyze whether misinformation campaigns contributed to the controversy and whether any coordinated attempt was made to distort facts.
Officials said the probe will also evaluate compliance with security standards during cash handling and identify any procedural lapses, if present.
The state government has stated that the investigation will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and transparent manner. Authorities have acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter, noting that it involves religious sentiments and public trust, making a thorough review essential.
The SIT has already begun preliminary proceedings, and an initial report is expected to be submitted to the government in the coming days.
