The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities related to offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government. The report raises questions over the monitoring system, fund management, and administrative procedures, and recommends several measures for further investigation, action against suspects, and improvements in the functioning of the trust.
The SIT, constituted to investigate the alleged irregularities linked to offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, submitted its approximately 20-page preliminary report to the government. The report highlights multiple issues related to the temple’s administrative system, the process of counting offerings, and the monitoring mechanism. It recommends registering FIRs against suspects, conducting an audit of offerings received over the past five years, and restructuring the trust.
The SIT has not given a complete clean chit to any party and has stated that a detailed investigation is required. Based on the report, the government may take further action. The investigation team has said that improvements in the existing system are necessary to ensure financial transparency and accountability.
The SIT has recommended registering FIRs against suspected individuals. It has also proposed restructuring the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. According to the investigation team, the temple’s administration and financial management need to be made more transparent and professional.
The report also recommends appointing a senior administrative officer as the temple’s Chief Executive Officer. In addition, it suggests implementing regular audits of donation funds and maintaining daily records of offerings received.
The investigation team has recommended a special audit of offerings received by the temple over the last five years. According to the report, certain cases related to jewellery and other items offered by devotees, apart from cash donations, also require detailed investigation.
The SIT further recommended conducting weekly audits of donation funds and maintaining a daily record of donations received at the temple. It said these measures would enhance financial transparency and help prevent future irregularities.
The report also emphasises strengthening security arrangements within the temple premises. The SIT has recommended increasing CCTV footage storage capacity from 45 days to 180 days. It has also suggested monitoring the activities of accused individuals and taking necessary legal steps until the investigation is completed.
During the investigation, around 150 individuals, including people associated with the trust and banking arrangements, were questioned. The report refers to several points based on their statements and available documents, which will be examined further during the detailed investigation.
Political reactions have also emerged over the matter. Opposition parties have demanded that the report be made public and have stressed the need for transparency in the entire case. Attention is now focused on the Uttar Pradesh government's next steps, as administrative and legal action is being considered on the basis of the preliminary report.
