Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deepened, with political parties, activists and petitioners demanding greater transparency in the management of funds donated by devotees for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The issue came into the spotlight after allegations surfaced that several crores of rupees received as donations and offerings may have been mismanaged or improperly accounted for. Following public criticism and political pressure, the Uttar Pradesh government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the claims.
According to reports, the SIT has questioned key trust officials, reviewed donation records, examined CCTV footage and scrutinized procedures related to the counting and accounting of cash and valuables offered by devotees. Investigators have reportedly focused on the handling of cash donations as well as precious items such as gold, silver and jewellery.
Sources associated with the investigation have claimed that discrepancies were found in documentation related to certain offerings. The SIT reportedly directed some trust and temple functionaries not to leave Ayodhya while inquiries were underway.
Adding to the controversy, a report published by The Indian Express revealed that an audit firm had raised concerns years earlier regarding the absence of a systematic record keeping mechanism for donations and had recommended stronger operating procedures and accountability measures. The recommendations were reportedly not fully implemented.
Opposition leaders have seized upon the allegations, accusing the authorities of failing to ensure transparency in the management of devotees contributions. Several political figures have demanded independent or court monitored investigations and questioned why central investigative agencies have not intervened.
The Trust, however, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Officials have stated that regular audits are conducted and that no significant irregularities have been identified in ongoing financial reviews. The Trust has maintained that allegations should not be treated as established facts until the investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the SIT has submitted preliminary findings to the Uttar Pradesh government. Reports indicate that investigators have recommended reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and record management within the Trust’s administration.
The matter has also reached the judicial arena. A petition seeking a court monitored investigation was recently mentioned before the Supreme Court, which declined an urgent hearing and asked the petitioner to return at a later date.
As the investigation continues, the controversy has sparked a wider debate about financial transparency in religious institutions that receive large public donations. For millions of devotees, the key question remains whether existing systems are sufficient to ensure that every contribution is properly recorded and accounted for.
At present, the allegations remain under investigation and no final determination of wrongdoing has been made by the courts or investigating authorities.
