Ram Temple Donation Row: Trust May Become Complainant, File FIR As SIT Final Report Nears

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 07:52 IST

Sources said the Trust should move beyond internal scrutiny and seek legal accountability as the probe enters its final stage.

The controversy over the alleged Ram Temple donation scam appears to be entering a more consequential phase.

With the Special Investigation Team (SIT) expected to submit its final report in early July, pressure is now mounting within sections of the Sangh Parivar for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to move beyond internal reviews and initiate formal legal proceedings.

The SIT submitted its preliminary report to the state’s home secretary earlier this week and reportedly recommended the registration of an FIR.

Sources familiar with the developments told News18 that discussions within Sangh Parivaar circles have increasingly centred on the view that, if questions have been raised and alleged financial irregularities are being investigated, the Trust itself should become the complainant and seek accountability through the legal process.

According to insiders, the sentiment is that the matter cannot be allowed to remain confined to administrative scrutiny alone.

Accordingly, the Trust is now expected to lodge an FIR within the next few days, sources indicated. The move would mark the first major legal step taken by the institution at the centre of the controversy.

News18 also reached out to Trust members. While some declined to comment, a senior Trust member said that the Trust might lodge an FIR and that further decisions would be taken after the SIT submitted its final report.

Only Accountability, No Optics

The emerging consensus within the broader Sangh ecosystem appears to be clear: the issue must be addressed through transparent legal mechanisms rather than political messaging.

VHP international president Alok Kumar struck a measured but firm note when asked about the matter. “Anybody who is responsible should be penalised and a fair probe should be conducted in the case," Kumar told News18.

His remarks are being viewed as an indication that the focus within the Sangh fold is increasingly shifting from defending institutions to ensuring that institutions are seen to be defending their integrity. The RSS has also traditionally sought accountability when allegations have been made against temple trusts across the country.

The anticipated FIR assumes significance because it would signal that the Trust is not merely the subject of scrutiny but is willing to actively pursue accountability if wrongdoing is found. Such a move could also blunt criticism from opponents who have sought to portray the controversy as being brushed under the carpet.

Meanwhile, speculation in certain political circles that the government may consider appointing a receiver or administrator to oversee the Trust has been firmly dismissed by government sources. “No such proposal has been floated as of now," a senior officer said.

According to senior functionaries familiar with the matter, there is no proposal under consideration to appoint a receiver to oversee the affairs of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust.

That clarification is significant. It suggests that, while legal accountability may be pursued against individuals, there is little appetite within the wider Sangh ecosystem for any institutional intervention that could undermine the autonomy of the Trust created to oversee one of independent India’s most significant civilisational projects.

As the SIT prepares to place its findings on record, Ayodhya may soon witness a crucial development in connection with the case.

About the Author

Madhuparna Das

Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has co...Read More

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