AYODHYA, INDIA – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has broadened its inquiry into the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, now scrutinizing expenditures exceeding ₹124 crore on significant religious events over the past two years. This expansion follows earlier allegations of donation theft, with the SIT verifying whether spending adhered to the trust's financial protocols and approval mechanisms.
Expanded Scope of Investigation
The Uttar Pradesh government initiated the SIT following initial accusations of embezzlement involving devotee donations. While several individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft, the investigation has now moved to a comprehensive audit of the trust's financial systems. This includes a detailed review of audit reports, bills, payment vouchers, chartered accountant records, and expenditure statements.
The SIT aims to ensure that all financial transactions were carried out in accordance with established procedures. While the audit is ongoing, no definitive conclusions regarding financial irregularities have yet been reached.
Key Expenditures Under Scrutiny
Among the largest expenditures under review is the ₹113 crore allocated for the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024. This grand event saw nearly 8,000 guests in attendance. Trust records detail major costs:
- Sheds and Tent-City Infrastructure: ₹35.97 crore
- Akshat Pujan Campaign: ₹30.85 crore
- Publicity and Advertisements: ₹21.77 crore
- Decoration and Lighting: ₹14.62 crore
Additional spending covered essential services such as food arrangements, various religious rituals, devotional music, sound systems, and other event-related preparations.
Beyond the consecration, the SIT is also examining other notable expenses:
- First Pratishtha Dwadashi Celebrations (January 2025): ₹83 lakh, with ₹52 lakh specifically for lighting and decoration.
- Arrangements for Devotees during 2025 Maha Kumbh: ₹43 lakh.
- Ram Temple Flag-Hoisting Ceremony (November 25, 2025): ₹10.12 crore, an event attended by approximately 6,000 guests, including Prime Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gold, Silver, and Trust's Response
The probe extends to the records of gold and silver donations made to Ram Lalla. Trust documents indicate that between November 2024 and February 2025, devotees contributed 2.3 kg of gold and 83.3 kg of silver. An additional 1.5 kg of gold and 28 kg of silver were received during the Maha Kumbh period.
The trust maintains that all donated valuables are securely accounted for and has expressed confidence in the SIT's investigation. In response to the controversy, the trust recently accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, concurrently announcing enhanced measures to bolster transparency and financial oversight.