Interim Report on Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Investigation to be Submitted to Supreme Court
The special investigation team (SIT) looking into the alleged misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is preparing to submit an interim report to the Supreme Court. This follows a series of developments, including arrests and resignations linked to the case. The SIT, formed at the request of the temple trust, may seek additional time to finalize its findings. The Supreme Court is also reviewing petitions for a CBI investigation and a forensic audit of the trust's finances. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant case.
Jul 17, 2026, 16:12 IST
Supreme Court to Receive Interim Report from SIT
A special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit an interim report directly to the Supreme Court on Monday, in compliance with the court's directives, sources revealed on Friday. Additionally, the SIT may request more time from the state government to finalize its investigation into the alleged financial irregularities related to donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This development follows the Supreme Court's hearing of petitions seeking a fair and timely investigation into the alleged donation embezzlement, which included a directive for the SIT to present a status report regarding the investigation.
The three-member SIT comprises Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan. It was established by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13 at the request of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Initially, the SIT was allotted 15 days to complete its investigation, which was later extended by another 15 days.
Following the submission of a nine-page preliminary report to the state government on June 23, several developments occurred, including the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), the arrest of eight suspects, the recovery of cash allegedly withdrawn from temple donations, and the resignations of former Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Anil Mishra.
The final report is anticipated to recommend improvements in the temple's administration and donation accounting system. The Trust is scheduled to hold a meeting in Ayodhya on July 22 to discuss the findings and potential corrective measures.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions that call for a CBI investigation under the court's supervision, a forensic audit, and an audit of the Trust's financial matters by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Petitioners have also raised concerns regarding the manner in which the SIT initiated its investigation prior to the FIR being filed and have demanded a timely inquiry into the alleged embezzlement.