Ram Temple Donation Row: CCTV Footage Flags Irregularities In Cash Handling, SIT To Submit Report Soon

Published 21 June 2026 · india

Ram Temple Donation Row: CCTV Footage Flags Irregularities In Cash Handling, SIT To Submit Report Soon Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 10:50 IST

Ram Temple Donation Row: CCTV Footage Flags Irregularities In Cash Handling, SIT To Submit Report Soon Published By, Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 10:50 IST The probe has also revealed serious lapses in the mechanism meant to monitor and count donations, sources said Rapid Read The Ram Mandir donation theft case pertains to allegations that gold, silver and diamond ornaments donated by devotees to the Ram Temple had been replaced with fake items, besides money being stolen. File pic/ANI The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in offerings made at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has reportedly found evidence suggesting theft of donation money and is likely to submit its preliminary report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath either on Saturday or Sunday, sources said. According to sources, the SIT has completed its initial probe after six days of investigation in Ayodhya.

The team questioned nearly 150 people, including trust officials, management staff, temple workers, bank employees and personnel associated with the counting process. Sources said CCTV footage examined by the SIT allegedly showed tampering with cash collected from donation boxes. Investigators also suspect that some CCTV footage may have been deleted. The SIT is learnt to have examined both negligence and possible conspiracy angles in the case. Sources claimed that the SIT has found the roles of trust office bearer Anil Mishra and construction aide Gopal Rao to be suspicious. Trust general secretary Champat Rai is also under scrutiny, according to sources. Nearly 20 to 25 people associated with the temple management, including three trust office bearers, have reportedly been found negligent or possibly involved in the alleged irregularities. The probe has also revealed serious lapses in the mechanism meant to monitor and count donations, sources said.

Six employees each from SBI and TCS were questioned during the investigation. FIRs may be registered against Tinnu Yadav, some counting staff and bank personnel, sources added. The SIT has reportedly asked certain trust officials not to leave Ayodhya until the probe is completed. Sources said the SIT may recommend major changes in the temple trust’s functioning, including reconstituting the trust, appointing an executive officer on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, increasing the role of e officio government members in supervising donation counting, conducting regular audits and ensuring transparent recruitment practices. The panel may also suggest that banks deploy only regular employees for counting work and strengthen the overall monitoring system. The findings are part of the SIT’s preliminary investigation, and official confirmation is awaited. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom.