Ram Temple Trust Demands SIT Probe Amid Donation Theft Claims

Top Summary

• What happened: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust officially requested CM Yogi Adityanath to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a high-level probe into alleged temple donation theft.
• Why it matters: This controversy has ignited a major political storm, eroding public confidence and deeply affecting the sentiments of millions of Sanatani devotees globally.
• What changes: The move aims to enhance transparency, eliminate corrupt elements, and secure the temple's financial integrity for devotees.
• Who is affected: Trust officials, temple employees, the state government, various political parties, and Sanatani devotees worldwide are significantly affected by these developments.

Trust Reverses Stance, Calls for High-Level Investigation

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has formally written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They are seeking an immediate, high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged theft of Ayodhya Ram Temple donations.

The official letter was delivered directly to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Lucknow. This action follows a series of daily controversies and political attacks, which have threatened public confidence and devotee sentiments.

This marks a significant change from the Trust’s initial position. General Secretary Champat Rai had previously dismissed theft claims as “misleading rumors,” stating that internal digital audits were sufficient.

Cash Recoveries and Employee Detentions Mount Pressure

Pressure on the Trust intensified rapidly over the last 48 hours. On Friday, Ayodhya Police conducted a targeted raid, reportedly in the presence of Champat Rai.

The raid took place at the residence of temple employee Lavkush Mishra in the Rudauli area. It led to the recovery of cash, reportedly between ₹10 lakh and ₹12 lakh.

Trust authorities are now interrogating two employees tasked with counting daily cash offerings. Despite modest monthly salaries of ₹18,000 to ₹20,000, local intelligence revealed one employee recently purchased land worth ₹1.5 crore, while the other acquired a plot worth ₹40 lakh.

Whistleblower Alleges Massive Financial Racket and Cover-Up

The political firestorm initially gained momentum from former VHP leader and Trust Chief Accounts Officer, Mahipal Singh. He publicly alleged a massive, long-running financial racket was siphoning off temple funds.

Singh claimed he was removed from his post after personally catching a ₹5 lakh theft. He further alleged that crucial CCTV footage of the counting rooms had been intentionally deleted to cover up the illicit activities.

SIT Mandate: Forensic Audit and Security Lapses

The Trust has requested a transparent timeline to end rumors and reveal the absolute truth. The expected mandate for the Special Investigation Team includes:

• Financial Auditing: Complete forensic tracing of all cash, coins, gold, and silver offerings received since January 2024.
• Security Apparatus: Investigating systemic lapses in surveillance systems, entry-exit controls, and counting room protocols.
• Collusion & Negligence: Scrutinizing potential insider involvement among security staff, local bank representatives, or senior temple officials.
• CCTV Deletion Claims: Digital forensic examination of the temple's central server to verify if any surveillance logs were deliberately erased.

High-Stakes Political Fallout and PMO Involvement

The escalating donation row has evolved into a significant political battleground across Uttar Pradesh. Just a day prior to the Trust's request, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed.

Advocate Mohit Ashok filed the PIL before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, demanding a central CBI probe. The case is scheduled for a formal hearing next week.

"The real scale of the embezzlement could range between ₹5 crore and ₹7 crore. This is a profoundly embarrassing and sensitive issue for the global Sanatan community." — Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav

Akhilesh Yadav spearheaded the political attack, lambasting the state government’s initial silence. He demanded that the judiciary take suo motu cognizance of the matter.

Concurrently, reports indicate that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation. It has sought an independent, detailed operational briefing from temple authorities.

What to Watch Next

By requesting a state police investigation, the Trust hopes to address corruption and strengthen the temple's security framework. The focus now shifts to the formation of the SIT and its initial findings. Further political reactions and the High Court's decision on the PIL will also be critical developments to monitor.