'SIT Has Full Authority To Convert Its Inquiry Into FIR': Nripendra Misra Amid Ram Temple Fund Row

Published 19 June 2026 · india

'SIT Has Full Authority To Convert Its Inquiry Into FIR': Nripendra Misra Amid Ram Temple Fund Row Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 21:12

'SIT Has Full Authority To Convert Its Inquiry Into FIR': Nripendra Misra Amid Ram Temple Fund Row Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 21:12 IST Nripendra Misra says the SIT probing alleged missing Ram temple donations can file an FIR. The SIT will submit report in 15 days. Misra said he didn't want to influence the SIT investigation by giving any suggestions. Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, on Friday said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of missing donation funds from the Ram temple in Ayodhya has the authority to register an FIR if it finds sufficient grounds during its preliminary inquiry. Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNBC TV 18, Misra stressed the importance of maintaining devotees’ trust in the temple’s administration. “One question that is being widely discussed on social media at present is why an FIR has not been registered.

Since the matter is being examined by the SIT, it has full authority to convert its preliminary inquiry into an FIR if it deems necessary. Whatever course of action it decides to take is entirely up to it. I do not wish to offer any suggestions at this stage, as I do not want to influence the investigation," he said. Ram Janma Bhoomi Temple faces a scandal involving alleged financial irregularities, including theft from donation boxes and tampering with CCTV footageInvestigations are ongoing, raising questions about trust and accountability in temple management#TheRightStand |… pic.twitter.com/Pe5o2mqQte — News18 (@CNNnews18) June 19, 2026 SIT To Submit Report Within 15 Days, Says Misra “The biggest challenge is ensuring the convenience of devotees and maintaining their faith that the temple is being managed in accordance with healthy traditions. The first issue arose nearly two years ago and was related to land acquisition.

Now, a second challenge has emerged within two years. It is more serious than the previous one. An SIT has been constituted and it will submit its report within 15 days," he added. The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member SIT on June 13 following a request from the temple trust to investigate allegations of embezzlement of donations made at the Ram temple. The controversy erupted after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav cited reports claiming that crores of rupees from offerings made by devotees were unaccounted for and urged courts to take cognisance of the matter. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured devotees that the SIT probe will uncover the truth and has warned that anyone found guilty, irrespective of their position, would face action. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.