The Uttar Pradesh Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple will submit its final report to the state government on Wednesday, July 15.
The three-member panel, formed over a month ago, was granted a 15-day extension to complete its investigation. The report will be presented to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, though the SIT may still request additional time for pending aspects of the case.
Scope of the Ayodhya Ram temple donation probe
The SIT’s findings are based on financial records, banking transactions, CCTV footage, electronic evidence, and witness statements. The report is expected to address not only direct involvement in the alleged theft but also the systemic failures that allowed it to go undetected.
Investigators will assign responsibility for supervisory and administrative lapses and propose reforms to strengthen the temple’s donation collection, monitoring, and auditing processes. The probe examined every stage of donation management, including custody, transportation, cash counting, and surveillance.
Financial investigation expands with Income Tax Department support
Ayodhya Police have sought assistance from the Income Tax Department to trace the alleged money trail, identify hidden assets, and determine additional beneficiaries. Nearly 50 bank accounts linked to the eight arrested accused and their relatives are under scrutiny, with transactions dating back to 2022.
Authorities are analyzing cash deposits, withdrawals, and inter-account transfers to detect disproportionate assets or layered transactions. The findings could lead to asset recoveries, attachments, or further arrests if more individuals are implicated.
