SIT Preliminary Report Finds Cash Pilferage in Lord Ram Temple Donation Counting

July 7, 2026

Ayodhya/New Delhi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe alleged irregularities in the counting of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, has submitted its preliminary report. The investigation, initiated at the request of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, points to systematic cash pilferage during the donation counting process.

CCTV footage, bank records reveal alleged cash pilferage

According to the SIT, CCTV footage recorded between April 27 and June 5, 2026, captured around 70 instances of counting staff allegedly concealing bundles of cash and loose currency notes in their clothes, shoes and other personal belongings. Six individuals — Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey and Ramashankar Mishra — have been identified with prima facie evidence of involvement, and cases have been registered against them.

The report further states that approximately Rs 78.94 lakh and other items were recovered from the accused before the probe formally began. Analysis of their bank accounts also reportedly revealed deposits significantly exceeding their declared salaries.

SIT flags procedural lapses, fixes accountability

The investigation highlighted serious supervisory and procedural deficiencies despite a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with the State Bank of India. According to the report, mandatory security measures such as frisking at entry and exit points, biometric attendance, hundi-wise counting, segregation of donations, enforcement of dress codes and restrictions on personal belongings were not properly implemented. The SIT also flagged unauthorised access to donation box keys.

Trust officials, including former trustee Dr Anil Mishra and donation counting in-charge Subhash Srivastava, have been held accountable for supervisory lapses.

Trust initiates reforms, probe to continue

Following the preliminary findings, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignations of Champat Rai and Anil Mishra on moral grounds and has initiated corrective measures to strengthen transparency in the donation management system. The SIT will continue its investigation and recommend further systemic reforms.

The report, however, clarified that several allegations circulating on social media regarding the disappearance of silver, bricks and other valuable offerings could not be prima facie substantiated. It nevertheless recommended strengthening the management and record-keeping system for valuables.

While the findings have raised concerns over the donation counting process, the Trust has maintained that temple activities and donation collection continue without disruption and that devotees’ faith remains strong.