The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member SIT to investigate alleged irregularities in Ram temple donations. The move comes amid a widening political row and calls for transparent action against those found guilty.
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a 3-member SIT to probe the Ram Temple donation row.
Lucknow, UPDATED: Jun 14, 2026 09:34 IST
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.
- Ends
With inputs from Mayank Shukla
Published By:
Nitish Singh
Published On:
Jun 14, 2026 05:31 IST
Read the full article at India Today →📄Source document: Uttar Pradesh Government Statement
5 reports
NDTVIndependentCenter3 days agoThe Uttar Pradesh government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of theft related to donations made for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual development — the formation of an SIT — without using emotionally charged language or emphasizing any particular viewpoint. It does not include quotes or perspectives that suggest a clear ideological slant.
Official sources cited
- government Uttar Pradesh Government Statement
The HinduIndependentCenter5 days agoA three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate allegations of misappropriation of donation funds at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The SIT visited the temple complex to collect relevant documents as part of its inquiry. The team includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Lucknow Range Inspector General Kiran S, and Special Secretary in the Finance Department Neelratan Kumar. The SIT is required to submit a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the formation of an investigative team without expressing any overt political bias. It reports on the actions taken by the government and the structure of the SIT without using emotionally charged language or emphasizing one side over another.
Official sources cited
- government Uttar Pradesh government
- organisation Shree Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust
NDTVIndependentLeft6 days ago Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Row: How Boxes, Bank Teams Track FundsThe article discusses the controversy surrounding the tracking of funds donated at the newly built Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It mentions Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's claim that significant amounts of money collected through donations have gone missing and his call for judicial action.
Bias read (Left): The article highlights claims by a prominent opposition leader regarding alleged mismanagement of temple donations, which could imply criticism of the current administration or religious institutions. The framing focuses on the allegations without providing counterpoints or context from other sides,
Official sources cited
- organisation Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's statement
NDTVIndependentRight7 days ago "Significant Action": Ram Temple Committee Chief On Donation Row Probe TeamNripendra Mishra, the chief of the Ram Temple committee, commented on the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) probing the donation row. He stated that the creation of the SIT demonstrates the government's promptness and called it a 'significant action.'
Bias read (Right): The article focuses on a politically sensitive issue related to religious construction and governance. The framing emphasizes approval of government actions through the statement of a prominent figure associated with a religious institution, which aligns with right-leaning perspectives on such socio
Official sources cited
- government Nripendra Mishra
India TodayIndependentRight7 days agoA Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to look into allegations of irregularities in donations related to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. An employee has been detained in connection with the case. Vinay Katiyar, a BJP MLA, has called for appropriate action against those involved.
Bias read (Right): The article covers a politically sensitive issue involving religious symbolism and temple construction, which is a major point of contention in Indian politics. The framing focuses on the formation of an SIT and calls for action by a BJP representative, suggesting alignment with the ruling party's立场
Official sources cited
- government Special Investigation Team (SIT)
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