Supreme Court to Receive Interim Report on Ayodhya Temple Donation Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is poised to present its interim report on the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to the Supreme Court. This follows a series of significant developments, including arrests and the recovery of misappropriated funds. The SIT's findings have raised concerns about the donation management system, prompting recommendations for reforms. As the Supreme Court continues to hear related petitions, the Trust is preparing for a crucial meeting to discuss the investigation's outcomes. Leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have refrained from commenting until the report is officially submitted.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 10:09 IST

Investigation Update on Ayodhya Temple Donations

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its interim report directly to the Supreme Court on Monday. According to sources, the SIT may request additional 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 comes shortly after the Supreme Court heard petitions requesting a fair and timely investigation into the donation embezzlement. The apex court had instructed the SIT to present a status report on the investigation. Notably, the SIT, which consists of Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S, and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan, was formed on June 13 at the request of the Trust.

Following the submission of a nine-page preliminary report by the SIT to the state government on June 23, several significant events unfolded. Based on that report, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, eight suspects were arrested, and cash allegedly misappropriated from the temple's donations was recovered. Consequently, the Trust's former General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra were compelled to resign from their positions.

The SIT's preliminary report highlighted serious flaws in the donation management system. Analysis of CCTV footage revealed approximately 70 instances where employees concealed bundles of notes and coins in their clothing, pockets, and shoes during the counting process between April 27 and June 5. The report noted that due to the unavailability of older CCTV footage, accurately assessing the full extent of the embezzlement is currently impossible, but the amounts deposited in employees' bank accounts suggest that such thefts may have occurred previously.

The final report from the SIT is anticipated to recommend extensive reforms in the temple's administration and donation counting system. It will also point out the lack of security measures, such as not conducting searches of employees and allowing personal items in the counting room. The Trust is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting in Ayodhya on July 22 to discuss these findings and corrective measures.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is also hearing petitions that demand a CBI investigation under court supervision, a forensic audit, and an audit of the Trust's financial matters by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). In the interim, leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and associates of Champat Rai have declined to comment on the matter, stating they will respond only after the report is submitted to the Supreme Court.