A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh is currently conducting a broad inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and security lapses at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The probe, which began following reports of systematic theft from donation boxes, has expanded to include an audit of five years of the temple trust's financial records and an investigation into an alleged VIP darshan pass scam. Preliminary findings by the SIT have identified significant administrative and security failures, including instances where staff members allegedly concealed cash from donation boxes on their persons.
As the investigation continues, the temple trust has taken steps to overhaul its management systems, including blocking digital IDs previously used to generate VIP entry passes. These measures follow reports that such systems were exploited to issue unauthorized passes. The SIT has also been granted an extension to complete its comprehensive audit, which now covers trust expenditures related to major events like the temple's consecration ceremony. Several individuals associated with the donation collection and counting process have been arrested, and the team is currently examining whether forged donation receipts were used to collect funds from devotees outside the temple premises.
The controversy has prompted a significant political response, with opposition parties calling for greater transparency and accountability from the trust. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the matter. Temple trust members have expressed their cooperation with the administration and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the security of all offerings. As the SIT prepares its final report, the focus remains on identifying the full extent of the lapses and ensuring that the management of the temple's resources meets the expectations of the millions of devotees who contribute to it.