Ram mandir donation row: SIT submits initial report, final probe findings expected soon

The three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the Ram Mandir donation row has submitted its preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government. The initial report was handed over to State Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad on Tuesday, with the final investigation report expected within a week.

According to sources, the preliminary report points to procedural lapses at multiple levels. The SIT examined temple records related to gold and jewellery offerings, the handling of cash donations and other valuables, and also reviewed CCTV footage as part of its investigation.

The SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The team is understood to have identified loopholes in the management of temple funds and gold offerings. It has also reportedly flagged discrepancies in the cash handling process, transportation of donations to the Temple Trust office, and CCTV surveillance.

The SIT was constituted on June 13 on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the Ram Mandir donation controversy triggered a political storm. The team was tasked with submitting its final report within 15 days.

During the investigation, the SIT questioned several individuals, including those directly involved in handling cash donations and chadhava (offerings) at the temple.

Following the submission of the final report, the state government is expected to take action against those found responsible for alleged financial mismanagement and the siphoning of cash and offerings meant for Lord Ram.

During his visit to Ayodhya on June 19, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the SIT investigation would uncover the truth behind the allegations. He also urged devotees to share any information or evidence related to the alleged irregularities with the investigation team.