Investigation into Alleged Donations Mismanagement at Ayodhya Ram Temple

Investigation Report Expected Soon

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is anticipated to submit its report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government within the next 24 hours. This report is expected to shed light on how the accused executed the alleged theft. Based on the findings of this final report, the state government may take further action.

The SIT has discovered that Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, a close associate of Champat Rai, was not an official member of the temple trust but was involved in the temple's management. Sources indicate that Tinnu had access to all sensitive information regarding the temple and its administration, including the keys to the donation boxes.

Recruitment Process Under Scrutiny

According to sources, one of the primary reasons identified by the SIT for the alleged theft was irregularities in the recruitment process. It was reported that staff responsible for counting donations were hired based on recommendations from trust officials, bypassing established rules and procedures.

Supreme Court Takes Notice of SOP Violations

The temple administration reportedly failed to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which contributed to the alleged theft. Sources informed a media outlet that the SIT has recommended filing a First Information Report (FIR) and appointing a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), actions that are already underway. The alleged theft at the Ram Temple has sparked nationwide controversy, prompting the Supreme Court to take notice of the situation.

On Monday, a bench of three judges led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud issued notices to the central and state governments regarding petitions seeking an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench, which included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan, also issued notices to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and directed the Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kiran S. to submit a status report to the SIT.