Ram temple consecration under scanner after trust's Rs 124 crore spend on events
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has expanded its probe to include the expenditure of over Rs 124 crore relating to high-profile events managed by the
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has expanded its probe to include the expenditure of over Rs 124 crore relating to high-profile events managed by the Ram Temple Trust. According to sources, the investigation covers the January 2024 consecration ceremony, the 2025 Maha Kumbh arrangements and the flag-hoisting ceremony held in November 2025. Sources said the SIT is conducting an audit of the Trust's financial records for the past two years. The SIT is examining audit reports, payment vouchers, bills, chartered accountant records and expenditure statements to verify whether funds were utilised in accordance with the Trust's prescribed financial procedures and approvals. Read Full Story The largest expenditure under scrutiny is the Rs 113 crore spent on the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, attended by nearly 8,000 guests.
According to audit records accessed by the SIT, the Trust spent Rs 35.97 crore on sheds and tent city infrastructure, Rs 30.85 crore on the Akshat Pujan campaign, Rs 21.77 crore on publicity and, and Rs 14.62 crore on decoration and lighting. Other expenditures included Rs 5.11 crore on food arrangements (Ann Kshetra), Rs 1.06 crore on religious rituals, Rs 93 lakh on devotional music (Raag Seva), Rs 68 lakh on sound systems, Rs 43 lakh each on electricity and Mandal Pujan, besides Rs 51 lakh on miscellaneous preparations. The SIT is also examining expenditure incurred on the first Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations held from Jan 11 to 13, 2025, during which the Trust reportedly spent Rs 83 lakh, including Rs 52 lakh on lighting and decoration alone.
The SIT is further reviewing Rs 43 lakh spent by the Trust on arrangements for devotees during the Maha Kumbh. Another major focus of the probe is the Ram Temple flag-hoisting ceremony held on Nov. 25, 2025, which, according to Trust records, cost Rs 10.12 crore, sources said. The event was attended by around 6,000 guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SIT is examining whether the approvals, payment procedures and head-wise expenditures for the event complied with the Trust's financial regulations. Sources said the average expenditure worked out to around Rs 16,000 per guest. Apart from expenditure, the SIT is verifying records of precious metals and jewellery donated to Ram Lalla.
Trust records indicate that between Nov. 2024 and Feb. 2025, devotees donated 2.3 kg of gold and 83.3 kg of silver. During the Maha Kumbh, an additional 1.5 kg of gold and 28 kg of silver were received as offerings. Investigators are cross-checking documentation relating to these donations, including inventory records, storage arrangements and their present status. Sources said the SIT is also examining whether detailed financial statements relating to these high-value events were placed before meetings of the Trust. Ends
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