A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged theft and embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has revealed significant security lapses and systematic concealment of cash by employees during the counting process. The preliminary findings, submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government, highlight nearly 70 instances of theft over a 45-day period, from April 27 to June 5, 2026.
The SIT's investigation uncovered that staff members were concealing cash in their clothing, shoes, and other personal belongings. This systematic pilferage was facilitated by inadequate security measures, including insufficient frisking protocols and lack of supervision. The counting room's security lapses, such as CCTV blind spots and diluted frisking norms, created conditions conducive to theft.
In response to these findings, the SIT has recommended criminal action against six staff members involved in the thefts. These individuals have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to identify additional culprits and assess the extent of the embezzlement. The recovered amount from the accused and the counting room totals approximately Rs 80 lakh.
The SIT's report also points to procedural deficiencies in handling valuable offerings, citing inconsistencies in documentation, weighing, and sealing procedures. However, allegations regarding donated silver bricks and other valuable items could not be substantiated, as available records indicate these items remained in the trust's custody and were processed according to prescribed procedures.
The findings have raised serious concerns about the management and oversight of donations at the Ram Temple. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignations of officials implicated in the scandal and is reportedly overhauling the donation system to restore public faith.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been closely associated with the Ram Temple movement, faces significant political ramifications due to this scandal. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have accused the BJP and its affiliates of attempting to conceal the theft to protect the real culprits. They have called for a Supreme Court-supervised probe into all donations and the dissolution of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The BJP's response to the scandal will be crucial in determining its political standing, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ram Temple holds significant cultural and religious importance. The party's handling of the situation will likely influence public perception and its electoral prospects in the state.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring accountability, restoring transparency in the temple's financial dealings, and addressing the concerns of devotees and the general public.