A major administrative and financial investigation is underway in Ayodhya as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues questioning individuals linked to the Ram Temple Trust over alleged irregularities in donation handling and accounting procedures. According to officials familiar with the probe, the inquiry intensified following concerns raised during periods of exceptionally high footfall, including major religious gatherings when donation inflows reportedly surged significantly compared to routine days. Authorities are examining the entire donation management system, which includes cash offerings, ornaments and other valuables deposited by devotees in multiple donation boxes installed across the temple परिसर. The collection process involves transfer of funds from donation boxes to counting rooms, where cash is sorted, bundled and recorded under CCTV surveillance before being deposited in designated bank accounts. Officials stated that a total of 24 personnel are assigned to the counting and handling process, including staff from the temple trust as well as outsourced employees, while banking representatives from a public sector bank are also involved in the final deposit stage. The SIT has reportedly recorded statements from around 140 individuals so far, including employees, supervisors and associated personnel, and is cross-verifying responses to identify inconsistencies in procedural handling. Investigators are also reviewing documentation, CCTV footage and financial records as part of the ongoing probe. Authorities indicated that preliminary findings are expected to be compiled into an initial report in the coming days before being submitted to senior state officials for further review. The investigation remains ongoing.


