Lucknow: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has submitted its preliminary report to the Additional Chief Sectary (Home), Sanjay Prasad, recommending structural reforms within the temple trust and legal action against those found responsible.
Though UP government functionaries have not released details officially, sources familiar with the investigation said the report suggested registering an FIR in the matter, restructuring the trust’s administration management and appointing a senior government officer as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the temple administration.
One of the key changes recommended involves the introduction of a mandatory dress code for personnel involved in counting cash donations. Employees assigned to the task will now be required to wear uniforms without pockets to reduce the possibility of unauthorised handling of cash.
The preliminary report was submitted by Lucknow Divisional Commissioner and SIT chairman Vijay Vishwas Pant along with two other members of the three-member panel to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home). Government officials clarified that the investigation remains ongoing and that the report submitted so far is not the final one. Further inquiries are expected before a comprehensive report is presented.
The alleged donation theft controversy surfaced on 7 June, triggering widespread concern and prompting the state government to constitute a three-member SIT to investigate the matter. The panel was tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days.
‘Significant irregularities’
According to sources, the SIT has mentioned significant irregularities it found during its initial investigation and has recommended corrective measures to strengthen accountability and transparency in the management of temple donations. The recommendation to appoint a senior administrative officer as CEO is aimed at introducing greater institutional oversight over financial and operational matters within the trust.
The SIT formally began its investigation on 15 June and subsequently conducted a detailed examination of the temple’s financial and administrative systems. The team first obtained information regarding temple management and donation-handling procedures from Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, trust member Anil Mishra and administrative in-charge Gopal Rao.
SIT team has also recorded statements from nearly 150 individuals associated with temple operations, including those involved in counting donations and handling cash collections. The probe also involved matching the statements of Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who previously served as Champat Rai’s driver, with those of trustee Anil Mishra. Sources said discrepancies were found in their accounts, leading to three consecutive days of questioning.
The SIT also recorded written statements from 14 individuals linked to the trust and banking operations, including Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Yadav, Rajesh Pathak, Avinash Shukla, Krishnadev Tiwari, and Subhash Srivastava, among others.
ThePrint has learnt that the SIT examined the utilisation of money collected through donation boxes, reviewed expenditure records, and scrutinised land purchase transactions linked to the trust. Records dating back to 2021 were reportedly examined as part of the exercise. Officials from banks associated with the donation collection and counting process were also questioned.
Sources indicated that action against some senior trust functionaries is being considered. As per a senior functionary in UP government, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra could face removal from their positions if the allegations are substantiated. Temple administration in-charge Gopal Rao may also face similar action, though no official decision has been announced so far.
Trust introduces new safeguards
Amid growing scrutiny over the donation theft allegations, the Ram Temple Trust has begun implementing a series of preventive measures aimed at strengthening internal controls over donation handling.
Until now, the responsibility of counting donations rested primarily with bank employees. However, the investigation reportedly revealed that a banking institution had engaged an outsourcing agency to assist in the counting process. Several contractual workers associated with the arrangement had been deployed at the temple for cash counting duties.
Under the revised protocol, no employee involved in counting donations will be allowed to keep a mobile phone near the counting area. The use of phones at cash counters has been completely prohibited. Temple authorities have also instructed employees not to interact with the media regarding internal matters related to donations or the ongoing investigation.
The temple trust currently has more than 100 contractual employees in addition to its nominated members and office bearers. These employees are engaged in various operational roles, including donation management, administration, and support services.
SIT recovered Rs 2 crore cash
The SIT investigation has reportedly led to the recovery of almost Rs 2 crore in cash. The recoveries were made based on information provided by five individuals identified as Lav Kush, Avneesh, Anukalp, Karunesh, and Ram Shankar alias Tinnu. All of them were reportedly associated with the process of counting donations received at the temple.
Earlier on 13 June, gold was allegedly recovered from the residence of Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu, who is considered close to Champat Rai. Authorities, however, have not officially disclosed the quantity or value of the recovered gold, and verification of the recovery remains underway.
As the SIT continues its investigation, the donation theft controversy has emerged as one of the most significant challenges faced by the Ram Temple administration since the temple’s inauguration. It has also opposition parties the chance to question the ruling BJP government before the significant UP assembly polls.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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