A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya reached the temple town on Monday afternoon and began its inquiry.
According to sources, the SIT arrived around 3 pm and proceeded directly to the office of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, where it started collecting information related to the alleged misappropriation of devotees’ offerings. The team sought details of trust members, the handling of donations, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion of funds.
The SIT is also examining the role of employees who have come under suspicion during the preliminary inquiry. Sources said staff members under scrutiny were asked to remain present at the trust office while investigators recorded statements and verified facts.
As part of the probe, the team reportedly questioned Gopal Rao, an invited member of the trust, for nearly two hours. Investigators are gathering information on internal procedures, donation management systems, and any irregularities that may have surfaced.
The SIT also reviewed the security infrastructure within the temple complex, including the placement and coverage of CCTV cameras. The assessment is aimed at identifying any lapses that could have facilitated the alleged misappropriation.
During the visit, investigators interacted with officials and gathered details on security protocols, access control mechanisms, and the handling of offerings made by devotees.
Before travelling to Ayodhya, SIT members met chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow and briefed him on the progress of the investigation, sources said.
The SIT comprises Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Lucknow Range Kiran S, and Neelratan Kumar, among other officials.
No formal statement has been issued on the findings so far. The probe is focused on establishing whether any offerings were misappropriated, identifying those responsible, and examining possible lapses in donation management and security systems.
At the time of filing this report, the SIT was still at the temple complex conducting the investigation.
