Archive · 27 Jul 2026
UP Reconstitutes SIT to Probe Ram Temple Fund Embezzlement
The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the alleged theft of money donated to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
This comes after the Supreme Court ordered the state to set up a new SIT led by a senior police officer.
The new team includes three senior Indian Police Service officers and replaces an earlier panel led by an administrative officer.
The original SIT found evidence of staff hiding money during the counting process and recommended investigating eight people, including an aide of the trust's general secretary.
Two trustees, Anil Mishra and Champat Rai, have resigned.
The Supreme Court has asked the state to submit a report on the investigation by July 27.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted the SIT to probe alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations.
The new SIT is headed by Inspector General Kiran S and includes two other senior IPS officers.
The Supreme Court directed the state to form a new SIT and submit a status report by July 27.
The original SIT found 70 instances of staff hiding money and recommended investigating eight people.
Trustees Anil Mishra and Champat Rai have resigned amid the allegations.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh government, Supreme Court, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, State Bank of India
- What
- Alleged embezzlement of donations made to the Ram temple in Ayodhya
- When
- July 13 (Supreme Court directive), July 27 (status report submission), June 13 (original SIT formation), June 23 (preliminary report submission)
- Where
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To investigate and address allegations of embezzlement and ensure transparency in the handling of temple donations
Government and Trust Accountability
Whistleblower and Opposition Concerns
Investigation and Accountability
Government and Trust Accountability
The government has taken steps to ensure a thorough investigation by reconstituting the SIT with senior IPS officers.
Whistleblower and Opposition Concerns
Opposition leaders and whistleblowers have raised concerns about the handling of donations and the need for transparency.
Trust Management
Government and Trust Accountability
The trust has taken initial steps by accepting the resignations of Anil Mishra and Champat Rai.
Whistleblower and Opposition Concerns
The whistleblower report highlights serious lapses in security protocols and the need for stricter oversight.
- Date of Supreme Court Directive
- July 13
- Date of Status Report Submission
- July 27
- New SIT Head
- Inspector General Kiran S
- Previous SIT Head
- Vijay Vishwas Pant
- Date of Original SIT Formation
- June 13
- Date of Preliminary Report Submission
- June 23
- Number of Instances of Embezzlement
- 70
- Resigned Trustees
- Anil Mishra, Champat Rai
Sources
Supreme Court Directs IPS-Led Overhaul Of Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Probe As Uttar Pradesh Reconstitutes SIT
UP reconstitutes SIT in Ram Temple donation embezzlement case; three IPS officers to lead probe
Uttar Pradesh forms new team to probe Ayodhya Ram temple donation theft case - Telegraph India
