Archive · 23 Sep 2026
SIT Flags 105 Unauthorised Currency Removals at Ayodhya Ram Temple
A team is investigating claims that donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple were mishandled.
It found 105 cases in which money was allegedly removed or hidden while donations were being counted.
Cameras and other digital information helped investigators study what happened.
Eight people have been identified as accused in the case.
Investigators also checked their bank deposits, property and other financial information.
They examined many donated valuables and found no problems with several groups of items.
The team questioned 173 people, including temple, bank, security and accounting staff.
The first chargesheet is expected to be filed by September 25.
The SIT identified 105 alleged instances of unauthorised currency removal or concealment in the temple’s counting room.
The investigation identified eight accused and examined unexplained deposits, property holdings and other suspected proceeds.
The SIT found no discrepancies involving specified silver items, Charan Paduka, a Ramcharitmanas-related donation or 803 locker-held articles.
Another 86 valuable articles without receipts were separately identified and physically verified, while records concerning 944.411 kilograms of silver were examined.
Statements from 173 witnesses were recorded, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the first chargesheet would be filed by September 25.
- Who
- The court-appointed Special Investigation Team, headed by Uttar Pradesh Inspector General of Police Kiran S, is investigating the alleged donation irregularities; eight accused have been identified.
- What
- The SIT reported 105 alleged instances of unauthorised currency removal or concealment and found no discrepancies in several categories of verified valuables.
- When
- The case was registered on June 25; the SIT report was dated September 16, statements had been recorded through September 14, and the first chargesheet is due by September 25.
- Where
- The alleged currency incidents occurred in the counting room at the Pilgrim Facility Centre of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
- Why
- The investigation followed allegations of embezzlement and irregularities in the handling of temple donations, with petitioners seeking a fair probe and forensic audit.
Alleged Donation Misappropriation
Verified Valuables and Ongoing Investigation
Currency handling
Alleged Donation Misappropriation
The SIT reported 105 instances of unauthorised currency removal or concealment during counting, allegedly involving assistance from other participants.
Verified Valuables and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is still tracing the suspected proceeds, examining financial records and determining the role of each accused.
Valuable donations
Alleged Donation Misappropriation
Petitioners alleged irregularities in the management of temple donations and sought a probe, including a possible Central Bureau of Investigation investigation and forensic audit.
Verified Valuables and Ongoing Investigation
The SIT reported no discrepancies in the specified silver items, other listed valuables, 803 locker-held articles or 86 separately verified articles.
Investigative process
Alleged Donation Misappropriation
Petitioners sought a fair and time-bound investigation into the alleged donation theft.
Verified Valuables and Ongoing Investigation
The SIT has examined CCTV footage, witness statements, bank and property records, mobile data, forensic material and physical valuables, and is preparing its first chargesheet.
- Alleged currency incidents
- 105 instances of unauthorised removal or concealment were identified through CCTV footage and other digital data.
- Accused identified
- Eight accused were identified in the investigation.
- Witnesses examined
- Statements from 173 witnesses had been recorded as of September 14.
- Verified locker articles
- 803 valuable articles in a State Bank of India locker were physically inspected without discrepancies.
- Additional articles
- Another 86 valuable articles without issued receipts were separately identified and physically verified.
- Silver records examined
- Records concerning approximately 944.411 kilograms of silver sent for melting were examined.
- Chargesheet deadline
- The first chargesheet is expected to be filed on or before September 25.
