AYODHYA, INDIA – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings at the Ram Temple is now examining a new theory: whether stolen gold ornaments were melted into gold biscuits. This move comes as investigators suspect the accused may have altered the original jewellery to prevent its identification after repeated search operations failed to recover the missing items.
SIT Intensifies Investigation into Missing Valuables
As part of its comprehensive inquiry, SIT officials visited the Ram Temple, where they questioned temple in-charge KD Babu regarding the inventory, storage, and maintenance of jewellery and other valuable donations. The team has specifically requested detailed records of ornaments, precious donations, and all transactions conducted with the government-owned Printing and Minting Corporation of India (Mint). Investigators are meticulously scrutinising the entire process of handling and dispatching precious metals to banks and the Mint.
Trust's Record-Keeping Under Scrutiny
Sources close to the investigation reveal that while the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust regularly reviewed cash donations and income during its quarterly meetings, detailed records concerning the quantity, valuation, and stock of gold, silver, and other valuable offerings were not consistently discussed. This lack of detailed oversight has become a focal point for the SIT.
Earlier, the trust had sent 944 kilograms of silver to the government-run Mint for testing and melting to assess the quality and quantity of metals received. Former trust general secretary Champat Rai previously stated that the temple had received approximately 13 quintals of silver and around 20 kilograms of gold in donations.
Timeline of Events and Arrests
The alleged embezzlement first came to light on June 7, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to form the SIT. Based on its preliminary findings, an FIR was registered on June 25, leading to the arrest of eight individuals associated with the temple's donation-counting process. Police have also questioned key accused Avinash Shukla, from whom investigators reportedly made the largest cash recovery in the case.
In addition to those arrested, the SIT has questioned former trust general secretary Champat Rai, former trustee Anil Mishra, and temple official Gopal Rao. Both Rai and Mishra have submitted their resignations, which are expected to be addressed at the trust's July 6 meeting.
Political and Public Reaction
The case has ignited a political controversy, with the Congress party demanding a public accounting of donations collected before the trust's formation and advocating for a Supreme Court-monitored probe. The RSS has also weighed in, stating that the alleged theft has “deeply hurt the faith of devotees” and called for strict action against all those found guilty.