3 hrs ago
SIT Finds No Silver Donation Discrepancies in Ram Temple Case
An investigation looked into claims that donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya were stolen or mishandled.
The investigators checked valuable items such as silver bricks, a necklace and religious objects.
They said they found no problems with the handling of those items.
They also checked records for 803 valuable articles kept in a bank locker.
Another 86 items without receipts were identified and physically checked.
However, investigators said camera footage showed 105 suspected cases of money being removed or hidden in the counting room.
Eight people have been identified in connection with the suspected currency misappropriation.
The investigators questioned 173 witnesses and expect to submit their chargesheet by September 25, 2026.
The Supreme Court said an SIT found no discrepancies in handling several valuable donations, including silver bricks and religious items.
The SIT verified records for 803 valuable articles stored in a State Bank of India locker and separately checked 86 articles without receipts.
Records concerning approximately 944.411 kilograms of white metal believed to be silver were sent for melting and independently examined.
CCTV and digital evidence allegedly showed 105 instances of unauthorized currency removal or concealment in the temple counting room, involving eight identified accused.
The SIT recorded statements from 173 witnesses and said it planned to file a chargesheet by September 25, 2026.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Special Investigation Team, the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and eight identified accused persons are central to the case.
- What
- The SIT reported no discrepancies in specified valuable donations but described evidence of suspected currency misappropriation in the temple counting room.
- Where
- The investigation concerns the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, particularly its counting room in the Pilgrim Facility Centre building.
- When
- The Supreme Court considered the report on Monday; the report was dated September 16, 2026, and the chargesheet was expected by September 25, 2026.
- Why
- The SIT was formed after petitioners sought an independent investigation into alleged theft and mishandling of temple donations.
Petitioners and Allegation
SIT and Court Findings
Need for an independent investigation
Petitioners and Allegation
Some petitioners sought an independent probe and argued that the investigation might not be proper while the current Trust remained in place.
SIT and Court Findings
The Supreme Court said the SIT was constituted by, and was accountable and answerable to, the court rather than the Trust.
Handling of valuable donations
Petitioners and Allegation
Allegations reported in the media and on social media raised questions about the handling of silver bricks and other valuable donations.
SIT and Court Findings
The SIT said it interviewed relevant individuals, examined materials and found no discrepancies in the specified donations and in records for 803 valuable articles.
Currency misappropriation
Petitioners and Allegation
The alleged theft claims concern suspected removal or concealment of currency during the counting process.
SIT and Court Findings
The SIT said CCTV and digital evidence showed 105 unauthorized incidents and identified eight accused persons, while continuing its investigation toward a chargesheet.
Key facts
- Valuable articles verified
- 803 articles had receipts generated by TCS software, with relevant records found with the Trust.
- Articles without receipts
- 86 valuable articles were separately identified and physically verified.
- White metal records
- Records for approximately 944.411 kg of white metal, believed to be silver, were sent for melting and examined.
- Suspected currency incidents
- CCTV and digital data reportedly revealed 105 instances of unauthorized currency removal or concealment.
- Accused identified
- Eight accused persons were identified in the SIT report.
- Witnesses questioned
- Statements from 173 witnesses had been recorded as of September 14, 2026.
- Chargesheet deadline
- The SIT indicated it intended to file the chargesheet by September 25, 2026.
Quotes
Supreme Court bench
Three-judge Supreme Court bench hearing the case
“Ninety days are going to be over on September 25. So we will have to file a chargesheet. Otherwise they will get bail.”
indianexpress.com
“SIT is not under the Trust but constituted by and accountable and answerable to the court”
indianexpress.com
SIT status report
Status report submitted by the Special Investigation Team probing the alleged donation theft
“No discrepancies were identified during this verification process.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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