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🇮🇳 India /Crime & Justice

Ayodhya Ram Temple: Probe into Trust Finances Widens as SIT Examines Records Since 2020

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is broadening its probe into alleged irregularities in Ram Temple donation collections.
  • The investigation will now examine the entire financial operations of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust since its 2020 formation.
  • The SIT, granted a 15-day extension, is scrutinizing donation trails, fund utilization, and construction expenditures.

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expanding its inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities concerning the collection of donations for the Ram Temple. State government officials confirmed that the probe will now encompass the complete financial activities of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, starting from its establishment on February 5, 2020.

This expanded mandate brings the entire financial ecosystem under scrutiny. The SIT will examine the complete trail of donations received by the trust, both domestically and internationally, throughout the four-year construction phase of the Ram temple and subsequent periods. The utilization of these funds will also be a key focus.

The SIT, composed of Lucknow divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, inspector general of police (Lucknow range) Kiran S, and special secretary (finance) Neel Ratan, commenced its investigation on June 13. After submitting an interim report on June 23, the team received a 15-day extension on July 1. They returned to Ayodhya on Thursday to continue questioning individuals connected to the case.

Officials indicated that the findings could lead to further investigations involving additional individuals or agencies linked to the trust's financial and administrative operations. The investigation has shifted its focus from accused employees to understanding the overall financial management system that has been in place since the trust's inception. Financial records presented by the trust for the period of April 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, showed total income of ₹220.81 crore, including ₹82.78 crore in donations and ₹138.03 crore in interest from bank deposits. Approximately ₹2,100 crore reportedly remains after construction expenses.

The investigation has entered its second leg. The focus is no longer confined to the accused employees but has shifted to understanding the entire financial management system that has operated since the trust came into existence.

— Senior government officialDescribing the expanded scope of the SIT's probe into the Ram Temple trust's finances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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