Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust Accounts Under Review by Investigation Team

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is investigating alleged embezzlement of donations to the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to conduct a thorough re-audit of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's accounts for the past five years. Government sources indicated that this decision follows initial findings that suggest significant anomalies and irregularities in the Trust's financial dealings.

The re-audit is set to encompass various aspects, including expenses related to construction as well as jewellery, gold, and silver items received as charitable donations. The SIT has been assembled to scrutinise the Trust's financial records meticulously during the entire five-year period in question.

On July 3, 2026, members of the SIT, which includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of the Lucknow Range Kiran S., and Special Secretary of the State Finance Department Neelratan Kumar, visited the Ram Temple and engaged in discussions with several individuals linked to the Trust.

In parallel, the Ayodhya police have interrogated Avinash Shukla, a key suspect involved in the donation-counting process at the temple, who had been previously arrested. A local court ordered him to remain in police custody for 24 hours as investigations continue. Shukla is one of eight individuals arrested in this case.

The SIT has also interacted with Trust officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, both of whom have taken resignations from their positions amid the investigation. A decision regarding their status within the Trust is anticipated during its meeting scheduled for July 6.

The situation has sparked considerable political discourse, with Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad urging the public to trust the investigative process. He remarked, "Corruption existed in the past too, but everything used to be hushed up. Previous governments used to give protection to the corrupt. In our tenure, however, these cases are being exposed, and punishments are being handed out."

As the investigation unfolds, there are calls from various sectors demanding accountability, including from certain political groups that are seeking higher-level intervention into the matter. One prominent voice, K.C. Venugopal, has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged discrepancies regarding the temple donations.

The ongoing scrutiny of the Trust's financial activities highlights the complex interplay between religion, politics, and governance in India, particularly around such a significant site for Hindu worship. The developments are likely to garner further attention as the investigation proceeds, amid ongoing dialogue about transparency and accountability in religious institutions.