The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of embezzlement involving donations received at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an SIT probe into the matter after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested him to led an inquiry into the matter. According to the officials, the SIT will be headed by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. Other members include Lucknow Range Inspector General Kiran S and Finance Department Special Secretary Neelratan Kumar.
According to officials, the panel has been asked to submit a preliminary report within seven days and a final report within 15 days. The officials also said the SIT is expected to visit Ayodhya shortly to review records, examine evidence collected during the preliminary inquiry and question individuals connected to the case.
The investigation will focus on the collection, counting, handling, storage and supervision of donations received at the temple. Authorities would also assess internal control mechanisms and determine whether additional individuals may have been involved in any alleged diversion of funds. While, the employees and former staff members associated with temple administration are also likely to be questioned during the probe.
Earlier, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust rejected allegations that crores of rupees in donations had gone missing and also claimed that the Trust’s routine audits had not revealed any financial irregularities.
The controversy emerged after former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey raised allegations regarding the handling of temple donations during a press conference last week. Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav also sought an investigation into the matter through a social media post, questioning the management of donations at the temple.
Meanwhile, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said his role was limited to overseeing construction-related work and declined to comment on allegations related to donations and financial management.