--- title: "Who stole from Ram Temple donations? SIT findings explained" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ram-temple-donation-theft-sit-report-rb0ss publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Politics published: 2026-08-18T06:03:33.338Z modified: 2026-08-18T09:30:07.741Z language: en-IN --- # Who stole from Ram Temple donations? SIT findings explained A Uttar Pradesh SIT report found prima facie evidence of theft during donation counting at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. It cites 70 suspected incidents based on CCTV from April 27 to June 5 and notes security and procedural gaps. ## Key takeaways - A Special Investigation Team was formed in mid-June to probe donation embezzlement at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. - The SIT’s preliminary findings indicate theft/pilferage during counting, supported by CCTV from late April to early June and witness testimony. - Around 70 suspected incidents were identified within the examined period, with broader irregularities considered possible before April 27. - Security procedures and donation-handling SOPs were not fully implemented, according to the SIT. - A multi-person involvement is suspected, with six individuals named as prima facie participants, and a planned five-year re-audit. ## What Happened The Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team in the second week of June to probe alleged embezzlement at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The SIT’s preliminary review, submitted on June 23, points to theft and pilferage during the counting of donations. CCTV footage covering April 27 to June 5 showed counting staff concealing cash and other forms of money, while some colleagues appeared to assist or shield those activities. The investigators identified around 70 suspected theft or pilferage incidents within the period they could examine. Beyond the examined window, the SIT notes that possible similar incidents may have occurred before April 27, but the lack of earlier CCTV footage limited assessment. The team collected testimonies from Trust officials, bank staff, security personnel, and counting employees, and reviewed bank records, seizure documents, and Standard Operating Procedures. Based on these sources, the SIT highlights weaknesses in how donations were handled and documented. According to the report, security procedures laid out in the Trust’s SOPs—such as frisking, biometric attendance, limits on personal items, and continuous CCTV monitoring—were not fully implemented, creating conditions that could enable theft. The SIT also flags irregularities in how donations were weighed, sealed, and documented. Using CCTV, recovery records, financial documents, and witness statements, the SIT names several individuals as prima facie involved in the case. Those identified include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra. Observations from the footage indicate Shukla and Yadav frequently removed or hidden cash, while others were noted for assisting or taking part in similar activities. Yadav’s appointment as counting staff came on the recommendation of Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu. The SIT has filed a petition for an FIR and plans a broader audit of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s accounts over the previous five years, focusing on construction-related expenditures and jewellery or other gold and silver items donated. The team has already visited Ayodhya and is expected to return to continue the investigation. There is recognition that the findings have sparked wider debate within Uttar Pradesh, with some retired police officials arguing that the available CCTV window represents only a fragment of the overall donations received, particularly during the Maha Kumbh when large crowds are present. ## Why It Matters The SIT’s preliminary conclusions point to gaps between policy and practice in safeguarding donated funds at a high-profile religious site. If substantiated, the irregularities could prompt accountability measures, financial audits, and reforms in how large-scale temple donations are counted, sealed, and recorded. A broader audit over five years may reveal patterns affecting expenditure, asset management, and deposits, potentially influencing public trust in managing temple finances. ## Background The investigation centers on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the associated Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Trust oversees donations and related financial activities linked to temple construction and associated assets. The SIT’s work follows an initial complaint and requests for scrutiny after reports of discrepancies in donation handling emerged in mid-June. ## Key Facts - The SIT was formed in the second week of June by the Uttar Pradesh government to examine alleged donation embezzlement at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. - The SIT comprises three members: Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, Inspector-General S. Kiran (Lucknow Range), and Neelratan Kumar (Special Secretary in the Finance Department). - The SIT submitted its preliminary report to the state government on June 23. - The CCTV review covered April 27 to June 5 and identified about 70 suspected theft or pilferage incidents. - Security SOPs, including frisking, biometric attendance, limits on personal items, and CCTV monitoring, were found not to be fully implemented. - Audits and testimonies included Trust officials, bank staff, security personnel, and counting employees; bank records and SOPs were reviewed. - Prima facie involvement was named for six individuals: Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, and Ramashankar Mishra. - Shukla and Yadav were observed removing or concealing cash in CCTV footage; Yadav’s counting-staff role was reportedly recommended by Ram Shankar Yadav (alias Tinnu). - The SIT plans a re-audit of the Trust’s accounts for the past five years, with emphasis on construction-related expenses and donated jewellery/gold/silver items. - Visitation to Ayodhya by the SIT has occurred and is expected to continue as part of the probe. ## What Happens Next The SIT is expected to complete a more comprehensive audit covering the last five years and to continue its site visits as the investigation proceeds. The re-audit aims to clarify how extensive irregularities have been and whether additional individuals or practices come under scrutiny. The next steps also include determining appropriate legal actions based on the findings and continuing to document financial transactions and procedural compliance within the Trust. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ram-temple-donation-theft-sit-report-rb0ss Reported from: Multiple Sources