The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex has led to the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Uttar Pradesh government. This move follows a series of allegations claiming that money from the temple’s donation boxes has gone missing, sparking significant political discourse. Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar has called for strict actions against any individuals found culpable in this matter.

These allegations first gained traction early in June, when opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav suggested that crores of rupees in donations had reportedly disappeared. Yadav insisted that the courts should take notice of this situation independently. The claims have not only ignited debates within political circles but have also led the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to demand an impartial inquiry to counter what they termed misinformation aimed at undermining the temple’s reputation.

Formation of the SIT and Ongoing Investigations

In response to the trust’s plea, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the formation of a three-member SIT on June 11, 2026. This team includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary of the Finance Department Neel Ratan. Their primary task is to conduct a thorough investigation and present their findings to the state government.

As investigations progress, several employees involved in the donation counting process are reportedly under scrutiny. The Special Operations Group (SOG) has ramped up its efforts, examining CCTV footage along with both technical and physical evidence related to the case. As part of this initiative, an individual named Lav Kush, residing in Meenapur Phagoli within the Shujaganj area of Rudauli, has been detained for questioning. Authorities are investigating the individual’s possible connections to the alleged irregularities.

Additional sources have indicated that some cash has been recovered during the inquiry, though no specifics on the amount or its relevance have been disclosed by officials. The investigation is also exploring the potential involvement of other individuals, but the police, district administration, and temple trust have yet to issue any official statements regarding these developments.

Statements from Political Figures and Trust Officials

The political landscape surrounding the allegations has continued to evolve, with former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh reportedly aware of alleged misuse of donations but refraining from providing detailed information. Rajneesh Singh, another senior BJP leader, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting public disclosure of the trust’s financial operations, including donations, expenditures, bank accounts, and land transactions. Concurrently, Ajay Rai, the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, has demanded an independent investigation led by a sitting high court judge.

In response to the situation, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Trust, mentioned that internal audits are currently underway and emphasised that no evidence supporting the allegations has been discovered thus far. Amidst these evolving discussions, Vinay Katiyar expressed his concern over the integrity of the temple, stating that any corruption connected to it would be viewed as a serious betrayal of the faith of millions.

Katiyar announced plans to meet senior police officials to present a memorandum, urging the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. He reiterated the necessity for a transparent inquiry, asserting that the truth must surface to sustain public confidence. With various political parties, temple officials, and investigative agencies now engaged, attention is focused on the SIT and law enforcement to clarify the situation surrounding these allegations.

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