UP Establishes Special Team to Investigate Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Fraud Allegations

Judicial Oversight of Ayodhya Fund Mismanagement Probe

The Uttar Pradesh government confirmed to the Supreme Court on July 27, 2026, that a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been finalized to examine allegations of embezzled donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. This development follows a July 25 notification issued after the apex court suggested such a move during earlier proceedings on July 20.

SIT Composition and Forensic Requirements

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State, informed a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kiran S will lead the unit. The team currently includes:

• One DIG-rank officer
• One Senior Superintendent of Police
• An Additional SP

The bench moved to strengthen the technical capacity of the investigation by directing the State to appoint a forensic auditor as the fifth member of the SIT. This addition aims to provide the depth necessary for a qualitative review of the financial records in question. The IGP leading the team was previously involved in the preliminary assessment of whether a First Information Report (FIR) was warranted in the case.

Timeline and Transparency Goals

Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that the judiciary is focused on maintaining a fair, impartial, and rapid investigation. The court clarified that every necessary remedial step will be taken to guarantee transparency in how temple funds are handled. The SIT must deliver its initial status report within a fourteen-day window, leading the bench to defer further hearings for two weeks to allow for the collection of preliminary findings.

Source: The Hindu — Home