The Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has begun probing allegations that donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya were stolen. The controversy erupted after claims that crores of rupees offered by devotees were siphoned off.
Political Escalation
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav alleged large-scale embezzlement and urged courts to take suo motu cognisance. The situation intensified when two temple officials were arrested and Rs 10 lakh in cash was reportedly recovered from one of their residences. Dinesh 'Phalahari' Maharaj, linked to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi movement, accused the temple management of financial irregularities and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.
Allegations Surface
Mahipal Singh, claiming to be the former accounts incharge, alleged that nearly Rs 7 crore from offerings had been stolen over time. He said he informed trust general secretary Champat Rai and member Gopal Ji, but was removed the next day, and CCTV footage from eight months was deleted.
On June 7, Akhilesh Yadav repeated the embezzlement claims. Champat Rai rejected them, citing internal audits that found no evidence. However, trust members supported an independent SIT inquiry. BJP leader Rajneesh Singh wrote to the Prime Minister seeking fund disclosure and an independent probe. Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh claimed knowledge of misuse but declined details. Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar expressed concern. Activist Santosh Dubey filed a police complaint alleging that 1,250 kg of gold, silver, and diamond-studded bricks donated during the Ram temple movement were missing.
Investigation Details
The UP government constituted a three-member SIT on June 13, comprising Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IGP (Lucknow Range) Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan. The team arrived at the temple complex on June 15, questioning trust functionaries and staff involved in counting offerings. They examined CCTV systems, security, and devotee movement, and inspected the ground floor where jewellery and metals are stored.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust recorded earnings of nearly Rs 327 crore in 2024-25. Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra stated the investigation would be thorough, addressing both criminal accountability and systemic improvements. He called for a professional management structure, including a CEO, to ensure transparency. Mishra also affirmed Champat Rai's integrity.
