On Saturday (June 13), CM Yogi has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine allegations related to donation boxes and financial management at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The decision came after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust requested an independent inquiry into claims circulating on social media.
CM Yogi approved the formation of the SIT. The team will investigate the allegations and submit its findings to the state government.
Three Senior Officers Included in SIT
The SIT includes Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector General of Police Kiran S., and Finance Department Special Secretary Neel Ratan. The government has asked the team to conduct a detailed inquiry and establish the facts behind the controversy.
Officials said the Trust sought a transparent investigation after several claims emerged online regarding donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple.
Trust Raises Concern Over Rumours
According to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, false and misleading information regarding temple donations has spread widely on social media. The Trust said these claims have the potential to damage the image of the temple and hurt the faith of millions of devotees across India and abroad.
The Trust maintained that a thorough investigation would help bring out the truth and prevent further misinformation. It also described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion around one of the country’s most important religious sites.
Akhilesh Yadav Had Demanded Answers
The controversy gained attention earlier this month after Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav raised questions over reports related to temple donations. In a social media post on June 7, he described the issue as a matter of concern for devotees of Lord Ram and urged authorities to take note.
He said reports about missing donation money had created serious questions and called for accountability. His remarks triggered a political debate, with leaders from different parties and several religious figures demanding clarity on the matter. The issue remained in the headlines as political reactions continued to emerge from various quarters.
Trust Officials Defended Existing System
On June 7, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai stated that the Trust follows a regular audit process. He said internal audits take place periodically and involve representatives from both the Trust and the State Bank of India.
Rai said that the audit process often continues for several days and that auditors were already carrying out their routine work. He added that no major irregularity had come to light during the process.
Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das also expressed confidence in the institution’s functioning. He said the Trust would cooperate with any investigation conducted by the government and had nothing to hide.
Government Seeks Clarity Through Inquiry
The UP government has presented the SIT as a step toward establishing facts and addressing public concerns. Officials believe the inquiry will help clear doubts surrounding the issue and provide an official account of the situation.
The investigation is expected to focus on the claims made regarding temple donations and the management of donation boxes. Once the inquiry concludes, the SIT will submit its report to the government, which will decide on any further action based on the findings.
