Ram Temple Donation Row: SIT Recommends CEO Post, Trust Revamp In Preliminary Report

Last Updated:June 24, 2026, 11:18 IST

During the investigation, the SIT examined donation collection and counting procedures, scrutinised financial records and recorded statements of nearly 150 people.

Ram Temple Donation Row: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of irregularities in donations made at the Ramjanmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has recommended a major restructuring of the temple’s administrative system, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple management model.

The three-member SIT submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government’s Home Department on Tuesday after completing a week-long inquiry into allegations of misappropriation of devotees’ offerings and financial irregularities.

The report was handed over by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad.

What SIT Report Reveals?

According to the Times of India, citing sources familiar with the matter, the preliminary report recommended comprehensive restructuring of the Ram Temple trust to improve financial transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency. The panel has suggested appointing a CEO to oversee operations and strengthen management systems.

The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted the SIT on June 13 following allegations that crores of rupees from devotees’ offerings were unaccounted for. The probe was launched at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

During the investigation, the SIT examined donation collection and counting procedures, scrutinised financial records and recorded statements of nearly 150 people associated with temple administration and related operations. Sources said the inquiry also looked into the functioning of personnel involved in handling donation boxes and banking processes.

Officials said the preliminary report contains several recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring greater transparency in the management of temple donations. However, the contents of the report have not been officially disclosed.

Speaking after submitting the report, Commissioner Pant said the inquiry was still underway and a final report would be submitted within the next 10 to 15 days.

“Based on the information that has come to light so far and the facts available with us, we have submitted the first report today. This is only the preliminary report and the final report will be submitted after some time," he said.

What’s The Row?

The case centres on allegations that cash and valuables donated to the temple may have been misappropriated. Questions have been raised over the handling of 70 kg of silver, 1,250 kg of gold, Rs 200 crore in cash and other donated items, including offerings linked to Lord Ram’s idol and sacred padukas.

The donation row has triggered sharp political reactions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that some people were “filling their pockets" and claimed a fresh layer of the controversy had emerged involving the alleged disappearance of a silver slab donated by the Sindhi community, along with gold bricks and jewellery.

Yadav had demanded daily briefings on the SIT investigation, alleging that public trust in the agency had been eroded due to what he described as “widespread corruption under the BJP government."

Congress MP Imran Masood questioned why no FIR had been registered despite what he described as a major scandal.

About the Author

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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