The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations offered at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple has intensified, with the Uttar Pradesh government constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT), investigators widening their probe, and senior BJP leader and former MP Vinay Katiyar demanding strict action against anyone found guilty. The SIT will examine allegations related to donations and the financial management of the Ram temple trust in Ayodhya.
The issue first gained political attention after allegations surfaced that money from donation boxes at the Ram temple complex had gone missing. The claims triggered a sharp political debate, prompting the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to seek an independent inquiry to establish the facts and counter what it described as misinformation aimed at tarnishing the temple's image.
Acting on the trust's request, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday formed a three-member SIT comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The panel has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation and submitting its findings to the state government.
Meanwhile, the investigation on the ground has gathered pace. Sources said several employees associated with the counting of donations are under the scanner. The Special Operations Group (SOG) is conducting an extensive probe, examining CCTV footage and other technical and physical evidence.
As part of the investigation, an individual identified as Lav Kush, a resident of Meenapur Phagoli in the Shujaganj area of Rudauli, has been detained for questioning. Investigators are seeking information regarding his possible links to the case. Sources indicated that some cash has also been recovered during the course of the inquiry, though officials have not released any details regarding the amount or its significance.
Authorities are also probing the possible involvement of other individuals. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the police, district administration, or the temple trust regarding the detention or the recovery.
The controversy began earlier this month when Akhilesh Yadav alleged that reports suggested crores of rupees from donations made to the Ram temple were missing and urged courts to take suo motu cognisance of the matter. The allegations triggered a wider political debate, with former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claiming that he was aware of alleged misuse of donations but declining to reveal details. Senior BJP leader Rajneesh Singh subsequently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking public disclosure of the trust's finances, donations, expenditures, bank accounts and land transactions. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai demanded an independent probe headed by a sitting high court judge.
Responding to the allegations, Trust General Secretary Champat Rai said internal audits were underway and that no evidence supporting the claims had emerged so far.
Amid the growing debate, former BJP MP Vinay Katiyar expressed strong concern over the allegations. Addressing a press conference, he said any corruption or theft linked to the Ram temple would amount to a betrayal of the faith of millions of devotees.
"The Ram temple is not merely a religious structure; it represents decades of struggle, sacrifice and devotion," Katiyar said. He announced that he would meet senior police officials and submit a memorandum demanding the arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible.
Katiyar also stressed the need for a fair and transparent investigation, saying the truth must emerge to preserve public trust. With political parties, temple authorities and investigating agencies now closely involved, all eyes are on the SIT and law enforcement agencies as they seek to uncover the facts behind the allegations.
