Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is facing intense scrutiny over alleged irregularities in handling donations at the Ram Mandir. Reports of missing cash, gold, and silver offerings have triggered a major credibility crisis.
The controversy gained momentum in early June after local media reports and political voices, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, alleged that crores of rupees in devotee donations had gone unaccounted for. Claims include discrepancies ranging from ₹7-7.5 crore to unverified higher figures, along with missing gold and silver valuables, including around 60 kg of silver reportedly donated during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
The Uttar Pradesh government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 at the request of the Trust itself. The SIT is examining donation collection procedures, cash counting, transport of valuables, bank deposits, CCTV footage, and record-keeping practices. According to sources, the probe has flagged procedural lapses in handling offerings, though the full findings are yet to be made public.
Trust officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai, have strongly denied any large-scale misappropriation. Rai stated that regular internal audits, conducted with the involvement of the State Bank of India, are underway and “nothing noteworthy” has emerged so far. The Trust has pledged full cooperation with the SIT.
Gold, Silver Offerings Also Missing?
Beyond cash, serious questions have been raised over missing precious items. Several donors have claimed that gold ornaments, silver jewellery, and other valuables offered at the temple were not properly documented or traced. One prominent case involves 60 kg of silver bars whose storage, inventory, and utilisation remain unclear in the records examined so far.
The SIT is also looking into allegations of tampering with surveillance footage in the donation counting area and disproportionate assets acquired by some low-level staff. A few employees have reportedly been questioned, with limited recoveries made, but no major arrests or charges against senior Trust functionaries have been reported till date.
RSS and Trust Leadership Maintain Measured Response
Champat Rai, a former RSS pracharak, has faced indirect criticism from some quarters within the larger Ram Mandir movement. However, the RSS and senior BJP leadership have largely maintained silence on the specifics, with some voices describing it as an “internal matter” under investigation. Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, has acknowledged certain operational concerns while defending the personal integrity of key figures.
Petitions seeking a CBI probe and a comprehensive CAG audit have been filed in the Allahabad High Court. The court has so far not granted any out-of-turn hearing, and the matter remains sub-judice.
Impact on Devotees and Temple Footfall
The controversy has affected public confidence. Reports indicate a noticeable drop in daily donations, with some claims suggesting collections falling from ₹8-12 lakh to below ₹1 lakh on certain days. While overall visitor numbers have not shown an 80 per cent decline as alleged in some quarters, the negative publicity is believed to have dented the post-inauguration enthusiasm.
Devotees who contributed generously after the January 2024 Pran Pratishtha ceremony feel particularly let down. Many had offered gold and silver items expecting their contributions would support the temple’s maintenance and related charitable activities.
Background and Trust’s Position
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was formed following the Supreme Court verdict to manage the temple. Since the temple’s opening to the public, it has received massive donations from devotees across the country and abroad. The Trust maintains that most funds are properly accounted for and utilised for temple development, infrastructure, and public welfare initiatives.
As the SIT continues its investigation, all eyes remain on the final report. The outcome is expected to have significant implications not only for the Temple Trust’s credibility but also for the larger political and cultural narrative surrounding Ayodhya.
PNI News will continue to track the latest developments in this sensitive matter.