The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the theft of funds meant for the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya has uncovered startling details, including cash concealed inside shoes and systematic violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The investigators have indicated that the actual scale of the embezzlement could be significantly larger than what has been reported so far.
SIT Uncovers Hidden Cash and SOP Breaches
According to sources close to the SIT, the team discovered bundles of currency notes hidden inside shoes during a raid at the residence of a former temple trust official. The cash, amounting to approximately ₹2.5 crore (around $300,000), was found carefully stashed in footwear stored in a locked cupboard. This discovery has raised serious questions about the security and transparency of the fund management system.
The SIT's preliminary report, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government on July 5, 2026, details multiple irregularities. “The investigation has revealed that the accused deliberately bypassed the established financial protocols,” said a senior SIT officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The cash was hidden in a manner that suggests a well-planned effort to evade detection.”
Scale of Theft May Be Much Larger
While initial estimates pegged the stolen amount at around ₹10 crore, the SIT now believes the actual figure could exceed ₹50 crore. The team has identified discrepancies in donation records, with large sums of cash donations being unaccounted for between 2020 and 2024. “The modus operandi involved underreporting of cash donations and siphoning off funds through fake vendor invoices,” the officer added.
The SIT has arrested four individuals so far, including a former accountant and a senior trustee, who are currently in judicial custody. They face charges of criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
Violations of Standard Operating Procedures
The investigation has highlighted several SOP violations, including failure to maintain proper cash registers, lack of dual custody for cash collections, and unauthorized access to the temple’s treasury. The SIT noted that the temple trust had not conducted any internal audit since 2019, and external audits were perfunctory at best.
“The SOPs were clearly flouted. There was no segregation of duties, and the same individuals were responsible for collecting, recording, and depositing donations,” the SIT report states. This lack of oversight created an environment ripe for embezzlement.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Ram Temple Trust has expressed shock at the findings and pledged full cooperation with the SIT. In a statement, the trust said, “We are deeply saddened by these revelations. We will ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice and that stronger safeguards are put in place.”
The Uttar Pradesh government has directed the SIT to complete its investigation within three months and file a chargesheet. Meanwhile, the state’s Finance Department has ordered a comprehensive audit of all temple funds across the state to prevent similar incidents.
The SIT has also issued a lookout notice for two former employees believed to have fled the country. The agency is working with the Interpol to track them down. The investigation continues.
