Ayodhya Ram Temple Donation Scam Allegations: What Is the Full Story and What Has Happened So Far?

Uttar Pradesh has set up a three-member Special Investigation Team to examine allegations of irregularities in donations collected at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. The move follows days of political controversy triggered by claims that large sums from temple offerings had gone missing. The SIT includes IAS officer Vijay Vishwas Pant, IPS officer Kiran S, and Special Secretary of the Finance Department Neel Ratan. The team has already reached Ayodhya and will submit its findings to the state government after completing the inquiry.

The case gained momentum after Samajwadi Party chief and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav posted on social media on June 7, alleging that crores of rupees linked to Ram temple offerings had disappeared. He later repeated his demand for a detailed probe, saying all trustees should be questioned together and CCTV evidence should be used to reconcile the figures. Over the past nine days, he has made multiple posts raising similar concerns.

Local political figures and temple-linked personalities have also weighed in. Former minister Pawan Pandey said corruption in the trust was not new and alleged that earlier complaints about land and donation-related irregularities were ignored. BJP leader Rajneesh Singh has written to the Prime Minister seeking a probe by central agencies such as the CBI and ED into the funds collected for the temple’s construction. He has also alleged that a network of individuals was involved in the handling of donations and valuables.

Former account in-charge Mahipal Singh, who oversaw the counting of offerings from January 2021 to May 2022, has claimed that he noticed irregularities in the donation process. He said he raised the issue during office meetings but was later replaced. In public comments and interviews, he has said he feared for his safety and was under pressure. He has also alleged that there were problems not only in cash donations but also in the handling of metals offered to the temple.

On the other hand, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai has denied any wrongdoing. In a video statement, he said the trust carries out regular audits, including of the counting room for the donation boxes, and that trustees, workers, and State Bank staff jointly conduct the process. According to him, nothing noteworthy has been found so far.

Opposition leaders have expressed distrust in the SIT and are demanding a probe by a retired Supreme Court judge or a court-monitored inquiry. Ayodhya MP Awadhesh Prasad called it a major national scandal and said the matter should be investigated at the highest level. BJP leader and MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh also described the issue as serious, though the ruling party has accused the Samajwadi Party of politicising the matter and recalled its past opposition to the temple movement.

The inquiry is now expected to clarify whether the allegations are supported by evidence or whether the claims are part of a wider political battle over one of India’s most sensitive religious and public issues.